Establishing a Potty-Time Routine with your Puppy

Being a pet parent can be challenging, though we aim to make it easier with Fresh Patch! Establishing a potty-time routine can help make puppy parenting easier. Here are some tips on how to set a routine with your pup. 

Separate Fresh Patch Time and Outside Times

To help your puppy get used to using both the Fresh Patch and going outside, try to set specific times when they use each. For example, maybe during the day, you always take your pup outside, but at night, they use their Fresh Patch. This helps them create a routine in their head that makes it easier for them to use the potty and make sit less likely they'll have an accident.

Be Consistent with Weather Exceptions

If you make exceptions outside of this due to the weather, try to stay consistent in this. For example, if you don't take your pup out when it's raining, don't take them out whether it's just a slight drizzle or a downpour. The, they'll get used to using the Fresh Patch whenever the weather is behaving like this.

Set a Schedule

Set a schedule when potty training and stick to it as closely as possible. For example, perhaps you take your dog out at 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., and midnight. Try to align these times with their feeding schedule as well. For example, feeding them half an hour before letting them out, giving them time to digest.

Use Alarms

When potty training a new dog, set alarms on your phone or elsewhere to signal you when it's time to take your pup out. Choose a unique tone that is only used for this case scenario. While puppies sometimes can't follow an exact schedule, they'll at least get used to hearing the ton while associating it with going potty. Eventually, many pups end up setting their own "schedule" this way, which makes potty time easier on you and on them. 

Potty training might not be easy, but it's certainly worth it when you look at your pup's cute face! Remember to check out our Fresh Patch products here.