Cue, then action
Say the cue as they sniff the target spot, just before they go. Timing is what turns a phrase into a command.
Day 5
Make the cue stick
The words “go potty” should start to mean something. Practice in a second outdoor spot so the skill can travel.
Timed trips: Every 60–90 minutes
Today’s goals
- Cue before they start, not after
- Practice at a second outdoor location
- Tighten supervision in new rooms
- Keep rewarding every success
Schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Home yard | Cue, wait, reward as usual. |
| New patch | Same leash, same cue, extra patience, extra treats. |
| Indoors | No unsupervised roaming into untrained rooms. |
Proof it somewhere new
A side yard, a quiet strip of park, or a friend’s garden. New ground smells competing. Stay longer. Reward bigger.
Do not grant the whole house yet
A newly reliable puppy in the kitchen can still have an accident in the hallway. Expand one room at a time.
Tips
- If they freeze in a new place, walk a small circle and reset the cue.
- Carry treats on every walk this week. Missed rewards slow the learning.
- Other dogs’ scents can help. They can also distract. Keep the leash short.
Night
Stick with the crate. Reliability at night lags daytime by a few days.