Love, your puppy 🐾
Hello my favourite human! 👋
It’s me again — your puppy — here to talk about something a little... embarrassing:
Why I sometimes have accidents in the house. (I really don’t mean to!)
I promise I'm trying my very best.
Let me explain what's happening inside my little body, how you can help me, and how together we'll make potty training a success!
Here’s the honest truth: my bladder is tiny, and I don't have full control over it yet.
At my age:
I physically can’t "hold it" for very long.
Sometimes, I only realise I need to go the moment it’s happening.
Excitement, fear, and playtime can make it even harder for me to remember.
It’s not because I'm lazy or stubborn — it’s simply because I'm growing and learning, just like you did once!
Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect:
| Age | What’s Happening | How Long I Can Hold It |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | Very small bladder | Around 1 hour |
| 10–14 weeks | Getting stronger | 1–2 hours |
| 14–20 weeks | Better control developing | 2–3 hours |
| 6 months + | Nearly there! | 3–4 hours (maybe more) |
⏰ Top Tip:
A good rule of thumb is 1 hour for every month of age — but every puppy is different!
You’re my teacher and biggest cheerleader. Here’s how we can team up:
Take me outside:
First thing in the morning
After meals
After naps
After playtime
Before bed
And remember — sometimes, just because I went 20 minutes ago doesn't mean I don't need to go again after a big zoomie session!
🐾 Consistency is magic.
The more often you take me out, the fewer chances I have to make mistakes.
When I go potty outside, make it a BIG DEAL!
Praise me warmly ("Good puppy! Yay!")
Offer me a tasty tiny treat right after I finish.
Give me lots of happy attention.
🌟 Positive reinforcement helps me learn:
“Toilet outside = happy human + treats = I want to do that again!”
I might not bark or whine yet.
Here are signs I might need to go:
Sniffing and circling
Whining quietly
Wandering away from you
Looking restless or distracted
If you spot these signals, whisk me outside quickly!
If I do have an accident indoors:
Don’t shout at me — I’ll just get confused and scared.
Gently clean it up with pet-safe cleaner (it removes smells properly).
Move on and keep practising!
🔑 Patience is key.
I'm trying so hard, and your calm support makes all the difference.
When you can’t watch me closely (like when you're cooking or answering the door), set up a safe space with:
Puppy pads (if you want)
My toys
My bed
This helps me learn where it’s okay to go, and prevents bad habits from starting.
At first, I might need a toilet trip once or twice during the night.
Setting a gentle alarm or keeping me nearby so you can hear me stir will help.
Good news:
Most puppies can sleep through the night (around 6–8 hours) by 4–6 months old.
Hang in there — we’re getting there together!
I love learning with you.
Every little success we have makes me feel more confident, proud, and connected to you.
Thank you for:
Being patient
Celebrating my wins
Understanding that accidents are just part of growing up
With your help, I’ll soon be a toilet-trained superstar — and I’ll always remember that you helped me every step of the way.
Big cuddles and happy tail wags,
Your puppy 🐾
About the Author
I’m Katy Peck, with years of hands-on experience and a passion for kind, natural training, I created TEDDY Talks to help families and their dogs understand each other better — one gentle “why?” at a time.
TEDDY Talks was created by Katy Peck, a passionate dog advocate with years of hands-on experience in behaviour, training, and nutrition. As the co-founder of one of Cornwall’s busiest dog day care centres, Katy helped care for up to 80 dogs a day, learning first-hand what makes dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.
In 2018, she brought that knowledge into the world of natural nutrition by opening a pet shop focused on healthy, wholesome choices — supporting thousands of customers with thoughtful advice, honest information, and a personal touch.
TEDDY Talks is the natural next step: a way to take everything we’ve shared in person and make it available to every dog lover, everywhere. These free downloads and training tools are built from real experience, not just theory — and grounded in kindness, patience, and the belief that when we understand why, we can teach how.
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