Setting a Schedule for Your Dog’s Elimination

Puppies develop bladder control as they grow. When your puppy is young, he will need to eliminate more often. Older dogs have better bladder control thus will be able to hold it longer.

When setting up a schedule, you need to consider your own routine since you will be the one to let the dog out or take him out for a walk. The schedule is also determined by the dog’s feeding times.

Dogs that are fed more time during the day will need to get out more. If the dog is only fed once or twice a day then you don’t have to take him out as often.

Planning a schedule for your dog’s elimination is made easier by the fact that dogs will most likely eliminate at certain times. These times will include:

- After taking meals

- In the morning after waking up from sleep

- After play

Once you know this, you can plan your way around these activities. If it is after meals, the dog will usually need to go about 30 minutes after the meal. This period can be shorter or longer depending on the dog. If you are not sure, after feeding the dog just take him out for a walk or if the dog is properly trained let him out. Ensure the dog has eliminated before going back to the house.

Since the night is usually long and you don’t want your dog to wake you up in the middle of the night or to have an accident in the house, then ensure that the dog goes out some minutes before you go to sleep.

Below is a sample of a schedule for elimination: This sample is not suitable for everyone, make changes to make it work for you.

6.30 a.m.. - Take the dog out when you get up, don’t wait till you have showered and dressed, just grab some clothes, put the dog on a leash and go outside.

6.45 a.m. – Breakfast

7.10 a.m. - Go outside again but this time for a longer period of time. Once the dog eliminates you can go back.

7.40 a.m. - Return to the house. You may leave the dog to play for a while and to move around then you can leave the dog to take a nap, if your dog is usually confined then you can take him back to his kennel or crate

12.30 p.m. - You can give the dog a light snack, if you are not around you can invest in an automatic feeder that will release the snack at set periods of time. Ensure that your dog’s water bowl is always filled.

1.30 p.m. - Let the dog out again, you dog will love to engage in play, do not deprive him of the pleasure. Ensure that he also eliminates before letting him back in.

2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m - Back to the crate/kennel/basket. This is sleep time. Your dog will love lying down in the afternoon.

5.30 p.m. - Feeding time

5.45 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. – Play time: Take the dog for a walk or you engage the dog in some exercise in your backyard or in the house.

7.30 p.m – 9.00 p.m – You may take the dog out to eliminate after which you can just relax with the dog. You may give the dog a light snack, but strictly no heavy meals as you prepare to go to sleep.

10.30 p.m. – Take the dog out again to eliminate.

10.45 - You can call it a good night.

Setting up a schedule would prevent inappropriate urination and defecation in your puppy and I urge you to give this a try if you have difficulties potty training your dog.

Download Dove Cresswell's guide instantly by clicking this link...