House Training Tips for Your New Puppy

Bringing home a puppy means cuddles, playtime… and a whole lot of potty breaks. If it feels like you’re walking your puppy 24/7 for the first few weeks, you’re not imagining things—you’re doing it right!

Consistency and frequency are the golden rules when it comes to successful house training. It’s hard work at the start, but it will pay off quickly—especially with smart breeds like Poodles and Cavapoos. They learn fast… and yes, they can be a little sneaky too! 😉

⏰ How Often Should Puppies Go Potty?

Expect your puppy to need a potty break:

• First thing after waking up

• Immediately after eating

• After every play session

• After drinking water

• After naps or crate time (even if it was only 15 minutes!)
  

For the first few days, walk them every 30 minutes if possible. You’ll get to know their rhythm and can gradually increase the time between walks. Most puppies can hold it longer at night and during crate time, but during the day, hourly potty breaks are typical for the first couple of weeks.

💡 Pro Tip: Set a timer! It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re chasing a puppy.

🔔 Poochy Bells: A Game-Changer for Communication

We highly recommend using potty bells (a.k.a. Poochy Bells)! Hang them on your doorknob or next to the door using a hook. Every time you take your puppy out, ring the bell and say your chosen cue (like, “Let’s go potty!”). Then, head straight outside.

This simple routine teaches your puppy to associate the bell with going out. Before you know it, you’ll be across the room and suddenly wonder, Did I just hear the bell? You did—go praise your pup!

🥳 When they potty after ringing the bell, throw a party with lots of verbal praise! The more rewarding it feels, the faster they’ll catch on.

🗓 What if They Don’t Go?

If your puppy doesn’t go when you take them out, that’s okay! Just bring them back inside and place them in the crate for 30 minutes. Then try again.

Crate intervals are a powerful part of training. They help your puppy hold it and understand the potty schedule.

🏠 Crate Training Is Part of the Process

If you can’t directly supervise your puppy—even for a short time—crate them. It’s not punishment; it’s structure. Some families only use crates during the training phase, while others (like us!) use crates for life.

Personally, we’re forever crate people. Our dogs love their crates and see them as safe spaces—not punishment. We don’t worry about chewed cords, shredded furniture, or anxiety. The crate is a place of rest, security, and calm.

🐕 A well-trained dog is one who feels safe in their crate and confident you’ll always come back.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Yes, house training takes time. Yes, it can feel like a full-time job. But with patience, a timer, a good crate, and a bell, your puppy will catch on before you know it. Stay consistent, stay positive, and celebrate the wins—big and small!