🐾 Puppy 911: Week One Survival Guide--Potty Pandemonium

From Pee Panic to Potty Pro in Seven Days!

By someone who’s cleaned enough puppy puddles to earn a PhD in patience.

After the long, long wait, you finally have your Beechwood Goldendoodles pup. You’ve survived the barking, figured out crate chaos, and now… puddles. Why is your puppy peeing everywhere? Don't worry—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not failing. Potty training in Week One is all about timing, patience, and setting your pup up for success.

⏰ The 45-Minute Rule (Yes, Really)

When you bring your Beechwood puppy home, their little bladder can only handle about 45 minutes to 1 hour of freedom before nature calls. That means:

• Set a timer during playtime or when they’re out of the crate.

• If you forget and there’s an accident? Be kind—to yourself. It’s your reminder, not your pup’s fault.

• Think of it like diapers. This stage passes quickly, and soon your puppy will learn to hold it longer and treat your whole house as their “den.”

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🛎️ Establish a Routine (Structure = Success)

Consistency is your secret weapon. Take your puppy out:

• Every 45 minutes if out of the crate for playtime; every 2 hours if in crate during daytime, and…

• After naps 💤

• After meals 🍽️

• After playtime 🎾

• First thing in the morning and last thing before bed 🌙

  
  

🎉 Pro Tip: Try hanging a bell by the door! Ring it each time you take your pup out for a potty break. Over time, your puppy may ring it on their own to tell you they need to go.

Also: Occasionally, you may need to leave your pup in the crate longer than two hours during the day. Your pup can handle this, too. Just make sure he's gone potty first.

🌿 Pick a Potty Spot

Dogs love routine, and smells are their GPS.

• Always bring your pup to the same outdoor spot.

• Use a phrase like “Go potty” to build a helpful cue.

• The familiar location + familiar words = quicker success.

  
  

🐶 Positive Reinforcement = Faster Training

The moment your pup does their business outside, throw a tiny party!

• Treats 🍖

• Praise 🎉

• Happy voice 🗣️ “Good potty!”

This teaches them exactly what earns rewards—and they’ll want to do it again.

🏠 Crates & Tethers: Your Secret Tools

Puppies don’t want to pee where they sleep. That’s why the crate is your friend.

• Use the crate after a potty break when you can’t supervise.

• A tether to a chair or table near you works great too—puppies see it as their “spot” and usually won’t potty there.

• If the crate is too big, use a divider so they can’t sleep in one end and potty in the other.

👃 Know the Signs

Your pup will give you clues:

• Sniffing around

• Circling

• Squatting

See these signs? Get them outside—fast!

😳 When Accidents Happen...

Because they will.

• If you catch them mid-accident, gently interrupt (“Uh uh!”), scoop them up, and take them outside to finish.

• Never punish. No yelling. No rubbing noses. Just clean the area well with an enzyme cleaner so the smell doesn’t encourage repeat performances.

  
  

💗 The Potty Training Motto: Patience + Consistency

Accidents are normal. Progress takes time. Keep showing up with:

• A routine

• Gentle guidance

• Encouragement

• Praise for every outdoor win

You’re not just cleaning up messes—you’re building the foundation for a well-trained, confident, and happy pup.

🐾 Key Takeaways:

• Puppies need potty breaks every 45–60 minutes during free time.

• Use routines, rewards, and consistent spots.

• Crates and tethers prevent accidents and build habits.

• Stay calm, patient, and positive—even when you're holding a roll of paper towels