So, it’s day one. You’ve got a puppy. They’re wagging their tail, being cute… and peeing on your rug. Welcome to the first week of training — a week filled with early successes, messy floors, and moments of questioning, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Let’s be honest. Potty training appears simple. However, the first week? That is when most people begin to doubt everything. This is the time when you ponder:
“Is my puppy truly learning?”
“Why are we outside for 20 minutes and then they pee inside?”
You are not alone. Every dog owner experiences this. The good news? If you’re prepared, you’ll get through the first week.
What Happens in the First Week of Puppy Potty Training Training?
In the first week of training, you’re laying the foundation. Your puppy will not be completely potty-trained by Friday. But they’ll start forming habits — if you’re consistent, patient, and realistic.
You will observe some progress in your puppy, as well as some early setbacks. This is simply part of the process. This isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning. The goal this week is to build a routine that your puppy can follow.
What Does Day-by-Day Dog Training Look Like?
Let’s break it down. Here’s what a realistic week might feel like:
Day 1
You’re excited. They’re confused. You take them out every 30–60 minutes. They might pee outside — great! Then poop inside 10 minutes later.
Day 2
They start to recognize the spot. Maybe they sniff it and circle a little. That’s a win. You might catch an accident before it happens. It’s all going great—until your foot finds a puddle.
Day 3
The novelty is fading. You’re tired. Your pup starts testing things — “What if I pee behind the chair?” Stay strong. Keep the schedule. This is part of the process.
Day 4
You get your first full day with no accidents. You cry a little. Life is good. Don’t get cocky, though — regression is common tomorrow.
Day 5
Regression. Told you. They pee indoors again. It’s not that they forgot — they’re seeing what they can get away with. Stay chill. Praise the good, gently redirect the bad.
Day 6
The potty schedule starts clicking. Your pup is starting to hold it longer. You’re catching the signs — sniffing, circling, whining. You’re working like a team.
Day 7
It’s not perfect, but it’s better. You’re getting through nights (mostly). You’ve figured out their rhythm. Accidents are fewer. Wins are bigger.
How Do You Build a Potty Routine That Works?
Ah, the magic word: routine building.
Here’s what works:
- Take them out first thing in the morning.
- Then, after every meal, nap, or play session.
- One last time right before bed.
- Every 1–2 hours in between if they’re still young.
Puppies learn by patterns. They learn faster if you’re consistent with timing.
And don’t forget to log their bathroom habits. Not to be weird, but knowing when they usually go helps prevent accidents.
What If My Puppy Doesn’t Seem to Get It?
Normal. Most puppies don’t show real signs of understanding until week two or three. But if you’re staying consistent, you are making progress — even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.
Common reasons progress feels slow:
- Too much freedom, too soon
- Not enough supervision
- Skipping potty breaks
- Punishing accidents (this backfires)
- Not recognizing early signs (sniffing, circling, pacing)
This is where having a puppy planner or notebook can help. It helps you see what’s clicking — and what isn’t.
Should You Use a Crate in the First Week?
Short answer? Yes. 1000 times yes.
A crate helps:
- Prevent midnight accidents
- Teach bladder control
- Encourage rest when overstimulated
- Make potty trips more predictable
Crate training isn’t cruel. It’s smart. It creates boundaries that speed up the training time frame. It also keeps your dog safe.
And if you’re not sure whether to use crate or roaming, go with crate first. They earn freedom — they don’t get it on day one.
What Role Do Dog Trainers and Behaviorists Play in Week One?
Even the best dog parents feel overwhelmed during week one. That’s where dog trainers or behaviorists come in.
A quick session can help you:
- Learn how to read your dog’s signals.
- Set up the right schedule.
- Catch early behavior issues.
- Avoid common mistakes.
At Prestige Dog Training, we specialize in creating personalized training plans that make week one feel a lot less chaotic. We also help you adjust based on breed, size, and personality. Because let’s be real, a Husky and a Dachshund do not learn the same way.
Early Setbacks That Are Completely Normal
Let’s normalize some stuff:
- Accidents on day six.
- Whining in the crate at night.
- Refusing to pee in the rain.
- Going outside, then peeing inside two minutes later.
- Sudden regressions on day five or six.
It’s frustrating. But it’s all part of the first week of training. Take a breath. Laugh if you can. Clean it up. Move on.
How Do You Know It’s Working?
You’ll see signs of progress even before full potty success. Here’s what to look for:
- They go potty in the same spot each time.
- They start to whine or pace before going.
- They wake you up instead of peeing at night.
- Accidents become less frequent.
- They hold it longer during the day.
These are your potty training milestones. Celebrate each one. Seriously — throw a mini dance party if you want.
What Tools Help in the First Week?
Here’s what makes the first week smoother:
- Crate (obviously)
- Leash (even for yard potty breaks — it keeps them focused)
- Enzyme cleaner (to remove all smells)
- Alarm reminders (set timers for potty trips)
- Puppy planner or printable schedules (track meals, naps, potty)
These aren’t magic. But they make everything a little easier — and that adds up.
Conclusion
The first week of training is messy and unpredictable. It is full of tiny victories that don’t always feel like wins, yet. But it’s where the magic starts.
Expect setbacks. Expect to get peed on. Expect to question if you’re doing it right.
But also? Expect your dog to slowly start understanding what you’re teaching. That’s the real win.
With a solid potty schedule, clear routine, and support (from trainers or just your notes), the hard part gets easier fast.
And if it doesn’t? Prestige Dog Training is always here to help. We’ll build you a custom plan, teach you how to read your pup’s signals, and make sure you’re set up for success, not just in week one, but the weeks after, too.
Hang in there. You’ve got this. And so does your pup.
