Process published — nice work
What you do next determines whether this becomes real training. Pick one:
Your Progress
0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Get a properly-sized crate
Step 1: Get a properly-sized crate
Crate should let puppy stand, turn around, lie down — but NOT have extra room. Too much space = bathroom on one end, sleep on the other. Buy adult-size with a divider that adjusts as they grow.
MidWest iCrate (single door with divider)
Best-selling dog crate. Divider adjusts as puppy grows. ~$45-65 depending on size.
Diggs Revol modern crate
Premium, collapsible, looks like furniture. ~$300-380.
2 Step 2: Set a strict potty schedule
Step 2: Set a strict potty schedule
Take puppy out every 1-2 hours, immediately after waking, after eating, and after play. Most accidents happen because owners waited too long. A 3-month puppy can hold it 3 hours max.
Every 1-2 hours + after eating/sleeping/play
Rule of thumb: 1 hour of bladder hold per month of age. 3-month = 3 hours max.
Phone alarm every 2 hours initially
Set recurring alarms for first 2 weeks. After that you'll feel the rhythm.
3 Step 3: Use the same potty spot outside
Step 3: Use the same potty spot outside
Same patch of grass every time. The scent triggers their instinct to go. Carry the puppy out (don't let them walk) until they're trained — walking gives them time to pee on the floor first.
Same spot every time
Build muscle memory and scent association. Faster training.
Treat IMMEDIATELY after they pee/poop outside
Within 3 seconds. Carry treats with you on every walk for the first 4 weeks.
4 Step 4: Crate when unsupervised
Step 4: Crate when unsupervised
If you can't watch the puppy 100% of the time, they go in the crate. Puppies won't soil their sleeping area — uses their instinct against the floor accident.
Crate when you can't watch
Tied to you (umbilical method) or in the crate. No 'free roaming' until trained.
Crate for naps and overnight
Puppies sleep 18+ hours. Crate becomes their den.
5 Step 5: Clean accidents with enzyme cleaner
Step 5: Clean accidents with enzyme cleaner
Regular cleaners don't break down the smell. Dogs return to scented spots. Enzyme cleaners destroy the protein causing the smell.
6 Step 6: Never punish accidents
Step 6: Never punish accidents
Yelling or rubbing nose in it teaches puppy to hide future accidents (behind couches, in closets) — makes training take 2× longer. If you catch them mid-accident: a calm 'no!' and immediately take them outside.
Warning: Rubbing a puppy's nose in their mess is a myth that causes lasting harm. It teaches fear, not behavior. Modern dog training is positive reinforcement only.
If you catch mid-accident: calm 'no' + outside
Pick them up, take them out, treat if they finish outside.
Accidents after the fact: just clean up
They can't connect the punishment to the action. Move on.
Want to create your own processes?
Document your business workflows, train your team, and stop repeating yourself. Free to start.