From the outset you want to stay on top of your puppy’s bathroom habits. A young puppy will need to go to the bathroom as often as every 15 – 20 minutes. If you feel like you are taking your pup to the bathroom spot all the time you are doing it right! After every activity such as training, playing, or a chew session, your puppy may very likely need to eliminate. Be sure to get him outside directly. Your puppy will need to pee as quickly as 5 to 10 minutes after drinking.

An important component in raising your puppy is to ensure that he learns to go to the bathroom in the appropriate spot and that he begins the gradual process of ‘holding it’ for slightly longer periods each week, until he can hold it overnight.

The following is a schedule that is intended to help you decide the progress your puppy should be making as he grows into adulthood. It is also a schedule that will help you determine when to increase the amount of time you can leave your puppy as he begins to grow. It is meant only as a guideline to help you set goals. The times are approximate and can vary depending on the size and breed of your dog. We hope this helps teaching your puppy to ‘hold It.’