Puppies, Poop, and Real Life: A Gentle Truth About Potty Training

Who doesn’t love a puppy? The round belly. The chubby cheeks. The wiggly back end that somehow always looks a little too big for the rest of the body. Puppies are irresistible—and we absolutely love them.

But here is the honest truth that every future puppy owner needs to hear:

Bringing a puppy home is a lot like bringing home a toddler. And toddlers… make messes.

If the idea of cleaning up poop makes you uncomfortable, frustrated, or angry, it’s important to pause and rethink puppy ownership. Puppies poop. They poop often. And learning to manage that reality with patience and consistency is a huge part of raising a healthy, confident dog.

Potty training doesn’t start “someday.”It starts the moment your puppy comes home.

Potty Training Starts Earlier Than You Think

In our program, potty habits begin forming from the very first days of a puppy’s life. Cleanliness matters. Puppy spaces are kept free of waste so puppies are never conditioned to tolerate living in it.

During the first weeks, mom does much of the work—nature’s design at its finest. As puppies grow, something remarkable happens. Around five to six weeks of age, they naturally begin following their mother and littermates away from their sleeping space to eliminate.

Dogs, by instinct, do not want to soil where they sleep.

A healthy puppy will avoid eliminating in their crate or sleeping area unless they are forced to hold it far too long or are physically unwell. This natural instinct is what makes potty training possible—and successful—when done correctly.

Once your puppy comes home, the responsibility shifts to you.

Consistency Is Everything

Potty training isn’t about punishment or perfection—it’s about patterns.

1. Be consistent with outdoor breaks

Puppies cannot hold their bladder for long periods. A good rule of thumb is:

• A puppy can hold it for roughly one hour per month of age

  • 3 months old → every 3 hours

  • 4 months old → every 4 hours

Take your puppy outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After every meal

• After every nap

• After playtime

• Right before bedtime

Go to the same spot each time. Familiar smells help puppies understand what is expected of them.

2. Be consistent with feeding schedules

Potty training and feeding schedules go hand in hand.

Puppies should not be free-fed. Predictable feeding times create predictable bowel movements, which makes potty training much easier for everyone involved.

We recommend:

• Multiple small meals per day for young puppies (up to six meals for younger pups)

• Fresh water should always be available

Routine feeds = routine potty breaks.

3. Clean accidents immediately and correctly

Accidents will happen. They are part of learning—not failure.

When an accident occurs:

• Clean it right away

• Blot the area with a towel or rag

• Spray with vinegar to neutralize odors(vinegar infused with orange peel and thyme works wonderfully)

Here’s a helpful trick:Place the towel or rag you used near the door where you take your puppy outside. Puppies follow scent. When they search for that familiar smell again, you’ll be able to quickly guide them outside where they belong.

Never leave accidents unattended. Lingering smells invite repeat mistakes.

Crate Training Is a Powerful Tool

Crate training supports potty training tremendously when done correctly.

A crate should:

• Be just large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably

• Feel safe and calm—not isolating or frightening

A crate is never a place for punishment.

When puppies feel secure in their crate, they naturally avoid eliminating there, which strengthens bladder control and helps them learn to wait until they are taken outside.

Kindness Matters More Than Speed

Praise your puppy when they get it right. Celebrate the small wins.

If an accident happens:

• Do not rub your puppy’s nose in it

• Do not yell or punish

• Do not shame

Punishment creates fear—not understanding. Fear slows learning.

Potty training works best when your puppy trusts you.

Watch the Stool—It Tells a Story

Your puppy’s stool is an important indicator of health.

• Soft or loose stool can result from stress, change of environment, or diet transition

• A tablespoon of plain, unsweetened pumpkin purée can often help firm things up

If diarrhea persists, consult your veterinarian.

In the End…

Yes—raising a puppy is work. It’s messy. It’s tiring. It requires patience.

But it is also fleeting.

Puppies grow faster than we expect. The clumsy stage passes. The accidents stop. The routines settle. And one day, you’ll realize that the tiny puppy who needed you every hour has grown into a steady companion who understands your rhythms as well as you understand theirs.

So breathe. Stay consistent. Be kind.

This stage doesn’t last forever—but the bond you build during it does.

Enjoy it.