How Dog Walkers Help Your Puppy Potty Train More Effectively

Potty training is one of the most important—and sometimes most challenging—tasks for new puppy parents. Establishing a consistent potty schedule is the key to success, but for busy professionals and families juggling work, school, and daily commitments, it can be tough to provide the regular breaks a growing puppy needs. That’s where a professional dog walker like Shoreline Happy Paws makes all the difference. Dog walkers help your puppy potty train. Together, we can set them up for lifelong good habits!

Understanding Your Puppy’s Potty Needs

Puppies have small bladders and limited control, especially in their first few months. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can “hold it” for about one hour for every month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy can typically wait three hours between potty breaks). However, this is just a guideline—every puppy is unique, and some may need more frequent trips outside, especially small and tiny breeds.

Consistency is crucial. Puppies thrive on routine, and regular potty breaks help them learn where and when it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. Accidents are less likely when you’re proactive and your puppy knows what to expect and when.

Sample Potty Training Schedule

Here’s an example of an ideal potty training schedule for a young puppy:

• First thing in the morning: The second your puppy starts to stir, take them outside to go potty.

• After meals: Puppies usually need to go within 10-20 minutes after eating. If you wait too long, you will regret it.

• After playtime: Physical activity can stimulate the need to go. When playing indoors, take frequent potty breaks.

• After naps: Always take your puppy out after they wake up from a nap. The second they start to stir is your cue to get outdoors.

• Every 2-3 hours throughout the day: Frequent breaks prevent accidents and reinforce good habits.

• Before bedtime: One last trip outside helps your puppy make it through the night.

Dog Walkers Help Your Puppy Potty Train

For many families, sticking to this schedule during the work or school day can be nearly impossible. That’s where a professional dog walker becomes an invaluable partner in your puppy’s potty training journey.

A dog walker can visit your home during the day to provide those crucial midday potty breaks, ensuring your puppy doesn’t have to wait too long between trips outside. This not only prevents accidents but also reinforces the routine you’ve established. Consistent, positive experiences with a dog walker can also help with socialization and reduce separation anxiety.

At Shoreline Happy Paws, we offer puppy packages and work with you to design a schedule of potty breaks that will set your puppy (and your floors) up for success!

Benefits for Busy Families

A dog walker can help speed up potty training by providing much-needed consistency. And, we also offer the following benefits for you, your family, your home, and your new pup:

• Peace of mind: You can focus on work or school knowing your puppy’s needs are being met
• Fewer accidents: Regular breaks mean fewer messes to clean up and less confusion for your puppy
• Reduced household damage: Urine and feces damage carpeting and floors, leave lingering scents, and could affect your home’s value and enjoyment; regular potty breaks prevent this damage
• More Effective training: Consistency helps your puppy develop good habits and helps them learn your communication styles, which makes future training more effective
• Happy, healthy puppy: Regular breaks and walks provide exercise and mental stimulation, leading to a happier, more balanced dog
• Comfort: Giving your puppy ample opportunities to go out ensures they aren’t forced to hold their bladder to te point of discomfort

Tips for Success

• Communicate your puppy’s routine and preferences to your dog walker
• Reward your puppy for successful potty trips to reinforce good behavior; we’ll do the same
• Be patient when accidents will happen; the more consistency, the less they’ll happen
• Gradually lengthen the time between potty breaks as your puppy grows and gains greater control

Shoreline Happy Paws to the Rescue

Potty training doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, even for busy families. By setting a consistent schedule and enlisting the help of a professional dog walker like us, you can ensure your puppy learns quickly and happily. With teamwork, patience, and routine, you’ll set your puppy up for a lifetime of good habits and a cleaner, happier home for everyone!