Potty Training a Puppy in 7 Days: A Strict Schedule

Let's be realistic: Your puppy will not be 100% trustworthy in 7 days. BUT, you can virtually eliminate accidents and set the pattern for life in one week. The secret isn't magic. It's Management.

If you rely on the puppy to "tell you" they have to go, you will fail. You must anticipate the need.

The Golden Rule: The 100% Supervision Policy

For the next 7 days, your puppy has two states of being:

1. Directly Supervised: Your eyes are on them. Not "nearby while you cook." EYES ON. (Tether them to your belt loop with a leash if needed).
2. Confined: In a crate or playpen.

If you aren't watching them, they are in the crate. Period. Every accident is a training setback. Prevention is the only cure.

The Biological Timer

Puppies need to pee:

• Immediately upon waking up.
• Immediately after playing.
• 10-15 minutes after eating/drinking.

The 7-Day Schedule (The "1 Up, 2 Down" Routine)

Puppies thrive on a "1 hour awake, 2 hours asleep" rhythm.

• 7:00 AM: Wake up. Carry puppy outside immediately. Do not let them walk (they will pee on the rug).
  • Command: "Go Potty."
  • Reward: Treat + Party.
• 7:15 AM: Breakfast.
• 7:30 AM: The Poop Window. Take them back outside. Movement triggers the bowels. Walk in circles.
• 8:00 AM: Playtime / Training (Supervised).
• 8:30 AM: Water bowl up.
• 9:00 AM: Crate Nap.
  • Why? A sleeping puppy holds their bladder. This builds muscle control.
• 11:00 AM: Wake up. OUTSIDE immediately.
• 11:15 AM: Play.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch.
• 12:15 PM: Outside.
• 1:00 PM: Crate Nap.
• Repeat pattern until bedtime.

Night Shifts

A 2-month-old puppy cannot hold it for 8 hours.

• 2 AM Alarm: Set an alarm. Wake up. Go outside (keep lights low, no playing). Pee. Back to crate.

The "Potty Signal" (Bell Training)

You want them to Ask to go out.

1. Hang a jingle bell on the doorknob.
2. Every single time you open the door to take them out, take their paw or nose and ring the bell.
3. Say "Outside!" and open the door.
4. By Day 4, they will connect: "Ring Bell = Door Opens."

Troubleshooting

"He pees inside right after we come inside!" This is classic. Outside is too exciting (grass, smells). They forget to pee.

• Fix: If they don't pee outside in 5 minutes, put them straight back in the crate. Wait 10 minutes. Try again.
• Do not let them play inside until the bladder is empty. Freedom is earned by an empty bladder.

Cleaning Accidents

If they mess up:

1. Don't Scold: Unless you catch them mid-stream, scolding does nothing but make them hide next time.
2. Enzyme Cleaner: Use Nature's Miracle. If you use ammonia or bleach, it smells like pee to them, and they will mark it again.

Read Next: Crate Training 101