Toilet training

The RSPCA suggests trips every 45 minutes to an hour, depending on age; Battersea notes that puppies often need hourly trips initially. Dogs Trust offers a broader two-hour routine plus trips after activities. These are starting points, not bladder guarantees. Begin with the shorter interval for a very young puppy and adjust to what actually happens.

Go out on waking, after eating or playing, and before bed, even if the next planned trip is not due. Sniffing the floor, circling, restlessness, or heading to the door are reasons to go now.

Use a consistent, safe toilet spot. Stay with your puppy, give them time, and reward them there immediately after they finish. If nothing happens, return indoors, supervise, and try again soon. Do not punish accidents; clean the area thoroughly with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.

Some puppies need overnight trips. Keep them quiet and return to bed afterwards. Keep water available rather than restricting it to prevent accidents. Sudden changes, straining, or discomfort need vet advice.

Log actual pees and poops in Puptime to spot your puppy’s pattern. A reminder is a prompt to check, not proof they can wait; do not wait for a notification when they show a need.