5 Common Mistakes That Sabotage Puppy Potty Training | Pet Train 360 Blog

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5 Common Mistakes That Sabotage Puppy Potty Training

Dr. Emily Chen, DVM

By: Dr. Emily Chen, DVM

Veterinary Behaviorist

Published: Nov 18, 2025

5 Common Mistakes That Sabotage Puppy Potty Training

The Do's and Don'ts of House Training

Potty training is one of the most challenging—and messy—parts of puppy ownership, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. As a veterinary behaviorist, I see five common errors new owners make that slow down progress...

Mistake 1: Punishing Accidents. Never scold your dog for an accident. This only teaches them to hide their elimination from you, making training much harder...

Mistake 2: Waiting Too Long Between Breaks. Puppies have tiny bladders! A general rule is that a puppy can hold it for the number of hours equal to their age in months, plus one. If they are three months old, they need a break every 4 hours, maximum...


About the Author

Dr. Emily Chen, DVM

Dr. Emily Chen, DVM | Veterinary Behaviorist

Dr. Chen brings 15+ years of experience in animal behavior and positive reinforcement to her anxiety and reactivity courses.