Seven days is a foundation, not a finish line
Most puppies need weeks of the same rules. Full reliability often arrives around four to six months, later for some breeds. Keep the crate and the cue.
Day 7
Review and keep going
You built the habit. Today you lock it in, celebrate the wins, and plan the next few weeks of the same kind consistency.
Timed trips: Keep the schedule that worked yesterday
Today’s goals
- Review the week’s log
- Keep rewarding outdoor success
- Write your maintenance plan
- Do not grant full-house freedom yet
Schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning review | Note remaining weak spots (nights, visitors, new rooms). |
| Daytime | Run the best schedule from Days 4–6. |
| Evening | A calm walk, last potty, crate. |
Fade treats slowly, not all at once
Keep food rewards for a few more weeks, then switch to praise plus an occasional jackpot. The outdoor trip itself should stay pleasant.
Grow freedom with data
Add a room only after several accident-free days. One accident in a new space means that space goes back behind a gate.
Tips
- Vaccination status may limit where you practice. Use your own yard until your vet says otherwise.
- A sudden rash of accidents after a good week can be medical. Call your vet.
- You and your puppy are a team. Kind, boring consistency beats any gadget.
Night
Keep overnight crate training until mornings are dry for at least two weeks. Then consider a larger sleep area.