Transitions are accident hours
Cars, guests, and new floors spike arousal. Build a rule: nothing fun starts until they have been outside.
Day 6
Practice in the real world
Short car rides, a visitor, or a walk around the block. Potty before you leave and as soon as you arrive.
Timed trips: Every 60–90 minutes, plus every outing
Today’s goals
- Potty before and after every outing
- Leave the puppy crated for a short in-home absence
- Handle a visitor or doorbell without skipping a trip
- Keep the log going
Schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before leaving | Outdoor potty, then crate or car. |
| On arrival | Potty before greetings or shopping bags. |
| Short absence | 5–20 minutes in crate while you stay in the house, then potty. |
Practice being alone
Leave the room, then the house for a few minutes. Return calmly. Excitement reunions lead to excitement pees.
Protect the schedule
A busy Saturday is when housetraining unravels. Set alarms. Someone is always the designated potty person.
Tips
- Pee pads as a backup on trips can confuse the outdoor lesson. Prefer frequent outdoor stops.
- If they have an accident in a new place, clean it thoroughly and return to shorter intervals.
- A familiar travel crate helps them settle on the go.
Night
Keep bedtime boring and the last trip unhurried. Real-world days make for tired, easier nights.