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Puppy Guide

The method

Set up the week so your puppy can succeed

Housetraining is not a mystery. It is a small map: one door, one patch of grass, a crate that feels safe, and a human who is paying attention. Gather the kit, learn the signals, then start Day 1.

A golden retriever puppy sniffing grass, a common potty signal
Sniffing and circling are your two-second warning. Move then, not after.

Potty signals

A young puppy cannot “ask with words.” They show you with their body. Teach every person in the house these tells.

Sniffing

A sudden, busy nose on floors or rugs, especially after play.

Circling

Tight turns in one place, often right before a squat.

Door interest

Staring, pawing, or wandering toward the exit you always use.

Restless pause

They stop a game, look distracted, or whine for no obvious toy reason.

Essential supplies

You do not need gadgets. You need tools that make the right choice easy.

  • Crate

    Just large enough to stand, turn, and lie down. Use a divider as they grow.

  • Leash and collar or harness

    For walking the same route to the same potty spot, even in the yard.

  • High-value treats

    Soft, tiny, and more exciting than kibble so the outdoor payoff is obvious.

  • Enzyme cleaner

    Removes urine scent. Soap and steam alone leave an invisible invitation.

  • Timer

    Phone alarms every 30–90 minutes. Do not rely on memory this week.

  • Gate or playpen

    A small puppy zone you can actually watch. Whole-house access comes later.

Shop puppy supplies
Puppy housetraining supplies including a crate, leash, treats, cleaner, and timer
Crate, leash, treats, enzyme cleaner, timer, and a small puppy zone.
A golden retriever puppy sitting in an open crate
The crate is a bedroom. Feed in it, rest in it, never use it as a scolding tool.

Crate setup

Choose a crate just large enough to stand, turn, and lie down. Extra floor becomes a bathroom. Place it where the family spends time. Add a washable bed and one safe chew. Door stays open during the first introductions; closed-door rests come after meals and potty trips on Day 3.

Hold-time is roughly one hour per month of age, plus one. An eight-week-old puppy still needs very frequent outdoor trips even with a perfect crate.

Golden rules

  1. 1

    Consistency

    Same door, same spot, same cue, same reward timing — every day of the week.

  2. 2

    Positive only

    Praise and food for outdoor success. No rubbing noses, no scolding after the fact.

  3. 3

    Supervise or contain

    If you cannot watch, they are in a crate or pen. Unsupervised roaming creates accidents.

  4. 4

    Reward immediately

    Treats land on the grass within a second of finishing. Delayed rewards train the wrong moment.

  5. 5

    One potty language

    Pick a cue (“go potty”) and have every person in the home use it.

Begin Day 1