This housetraining schedule is based on the needs of a healthy four-month-old puppy. Vary the schedule according to your schedule and the age needs of your pup. If you can’t take care of all your pup’s needs due to your work schedule or other conflicts, consider hiring a helper.
| Period of Day/Time | Action |
|---|---|
| Wake up (7:00 a.m.) | Go to potty area (outside or papers) immediately and only for a potty break. |
| Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) | Fill the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it down. |
| Morning walk (8:00 a.m.) | Play after breakfast and/or take a walk. |
| Late-morning walk (11:00 a.m.) | Play, potty, and/or take a walk. |
| Lunch (11:15 a.m.) | Young puppies must eat and then go to their potty area. Fill the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it down. |
| After-lunch outing (11:45 a.m.) | Potty break. |
| Midafternoon walk (2:30 p.m.) | Play, potty, and/or take a walk. |
| Pre-dinner outing | Potty break. |
| Dinnertime (4:30 p.m.) | Fill the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it down. |
| After-dinner outing (5 p.m.) | Play, potty, and/or take a walk. |
| Evening (7:30 p.m.) | Remove water. |
| Late evening (8:30 p.m.) | Potty break. |
| Before bed (11:00 p.m.) | Potty break. |
| Middle of the night | Potty break if necessary. |