#222 Plan the Potty, Win the Day

Think house training is just a timing game? We flip the script and show why success comes from anticipating transitions—not chasing the last potty break. Using real‑life moments like car rides, visitors, naps, and long work sessions, we lay out a simple framework that stacks the odds in your favor: empty before events. It’s a calm, humane strategy that cuts down on accidents, protects your schedule, and builds a more confident dog.

Chapters

• 0:02 Rethinking House Training
• 0:23 The Scooter Example
• 0:57 Planning Ahead for the Bladder
• 1:21 Car Rides and Excitement Pee
• 1:52 Company Arrives, Bladders React
• 2:31 Pre‑Bed Potty Strategy
• 2:58 Don’t Wait—Plan Opportunities

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:02

You know, most people think house training is about timing. Like, you know, how long has it been since the last potty break? But the truth is it's just as much about what's coming next as it is about what just happened. And let me give you an example. The other day I took my dog's scooter to the park for a walk. And then I ran a few quick errands with him waiting in the car. By the time we got home, I knew I would be upstairs painting for three to four hours. Now technically he had just gone to the bathroom about thirty minutes earlier, but I still took him out again. Not because he needed to go right that second, but because I knew once I started working, I wouldn't want to stop. And that's what I call planning ahead for the bladder. I wanted to empty that bladder one more time before I started working. And it's not just for those long projects. Here are a few other times when your dog might not seem like they need to go, but you'll thank yourself later if you offer the chance anyway. Before and after car rides, even if your puppy went right before you loaded up, car rides are exciting, even if they're only ten minutes long. And excitement jump starts metabolism. And once you get where you're going, that little bladder may have filled up again. So when you arrive, let them stretch, sniff, and take a quick minute to go before heading inside. Another opportunity before and about 30 minutes after company arrives. Visitors mean excitement as well. All that motion, talking, and attention can trigger your dog's digestive system, which quickly fills up an empty bladder. So give your dog a quick potty break right before people come in, and then again after things settle down. About 30 minutes later. It prevents those oops moments that can happen in the middle of the visit. And another great time for a potty break? Before bedtime, especially if your dog takes an early nap. You know, if your dog dozes off an hour before you go to bed, remember their bladder started filling up while they were sleeping. So take them out even if you have to wake them up one more time before you turn in. Even if they went earlier. That's how you prevent those two AM wake up calls. But the big takeaway here, don't wait for the need. Plan for the opportunity. Every time you can start a nap or bedtime, car ride or a long work session with an empty bladder, you're stacking the odds in your favor for a clean house and a confident, well timed dog.