Potty train your dog now that you’ve just brought home a squishy-faced furball who thinks your living room is a bathroom and your shoes are chew toys. First of all, congrats! Second of all—buckle up, buttercup. You are about to potty train your dog! Potty training is about to take you on a journey of mild frustration, occasional despair, and, ultimately, triumph.
Whether you’re in downtown Indy, the cornfield suburbs of Noblesville, or chilling lakeside in Geist, this guide to potty train your dog has your back (and your pup’s bladder).
Why it is so Darn Important to Pot Train Your Dog
Let’s start with the obvious: no one wants to step in a warm puddle of puppy pee while grabbing their morning coffee. Potty training is not only essential for keeping your home clean, but it also sets the stage for structure, trust, and good behavior.
And, let’s be real, nothing impresses the neighbors on your Mass Ave dog-walking route like a pup that can hold it till it hits the grass.
Start with the Right Mindset
This isn’t a sprint—it’s more like a long, meandering walk around the block with 72 stops for sniffing. Patience is key. Potty training takes time, consistency, and a sense of humor.
Repeat after me:
- Accidents will happen.
- It’s not the dog’s fault.
- Poop jokes are your new personality.
1. Know Thy Puppy’s Bladder
A good rule of thumb is that puppies can hold their bladder for about one hour for every month of age. So a two-month-old pup? Plan on potty breaks every two hours.
Set an alarm. Yes, even at 3 AM. Yes, even during the fourth quarter of the Colts game.
2. Create a Potty Schedule (And Stick To It Like Duct Tape on a Screen Door)
Consistency is the holy grail of potty training. A good schedule should include potty breaks:
- First thing in the morning
- After every meal
- After naps
- After playtime
- Before bed
- Every 1–2 hours in between, depending on age
If you’re working full-time (maybe commuting from Carmel to downtown Indy), consider hiring a dog walker. There are some great ones in Central Indiana—check out Indy Dog Walkers or Tail Trails in Fishers.
3. Pick a Spot and Make It “The Spot”
Choose a specific potty spot in your yard, and always take your pup there first. Don’t switch it up like your favorite Broad Ripple brunch place—consistency helps them associate one place with “go time.”
Use a cue phrase like “Go potty” or “Do your business.” (Some Hoosiers say “Let ‘er rip” which, honestly, we respect.)
Praise them like they just passed the bar exam every time they go in the right place.
4. Treat Yo’ Pup (With the Right Stuff)
Indiana pups have taste too. Ditch the boring biscuits and level up your treat game. Some local favorites:
- Three Dog Bakery on Mass Ave has fresh-baked pup cookies and training treats that smell like peanut butter heaven.
- PetPeople in Carmel stocks freeze-dried liver treats that make pups lose their little minds.
- Make your own training treats using boiled chicken, cheese cubes, or even small bits of hot dog (cut teeny tiny—these aren’t Scooby Snacks).
Pro Tip: Use high-value treats only for potty training to keep them special.
5. Celebrate the Good, Ignore the Bad (Within Reason)
When your pup pees outside—party like it’s race day at the Indy 500. High-pitched voice, happy dance, treats—go full confetti mode.
When they mess up inside—clean it up, move on. Do not scold or rub their nose in it. That’s outdated, ineffective, and just kinda rude.
Instead, ask yourself:
- Did I miss a potty break?
- Did I leave the door closed?
- Did I feed them something weird like leftover coney dogs from the Speedway?
It’s on you to set them up for success.
6. Use the Right Tools to Potty Train Your Dog
Let’s talk gear:
- Crate: Get a properly-sized crate. Not a doggy mansion. Just big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down. Dogs don’t like to potty where they sleep, so crates help with control.
- Pee Pads (Maybe): Some folks love them, some hate them. They can confuse some pups about indoor vs. outdoor pottying. But if you live in a high-rise downtown Indy apartment, they can be a lifesaver.
- Enzymatic Cleaner: Accidents leave a scent trail. Clean with something like Nature’s Miracle (sold at most Central Indiana Pet Supplies Plus stores) to fully remove odor.
7. Nighttime: The True Test of Your Soul
At night, puppies need to go out—sorry, there’s no shortcut here. Set your alarm. Take them out quietly, no playtime, just potty and back to bed.
Stick to it and they’ll start sleeping through the night by 12–16 weeks. Until then—hello, coffee.
8. Bell Training—Because Why Not Add Some Drama
Hang a bell on the door and ring it every time you take your dog out. Eventually, your dog will start ringing it when they need to go.
It’s like potty training meets Downton Abbey.
9. Watch the Signals to Potty Train Your Dog (Become a Canine Mind Reader)
Your dog won’t text you when they need to go (though wouldn’t that be amazing?). Learn their cues:
- Pacing
- Sniffing the floor
- Whining
- Circling
- Staring at the door like it owes them money
If you see it—drop everything and get them out. Even if you’re elbows-deep in a Breaded Tenderloin at Workingman’s Friend.
10. When Accidents Happen in Central Indiana (Literally)
Maybe it’s a thunderstorm and your pup won’t step outside. Or the snow in January is higher than your dog’s ears. Central Indiana weather is chaotic—plan for that.
Some winter tricks:
- Shovel a potty path in the yard.
- Use turf pads inside the garage.
- Dress your pup in a coat or boots if they’re picky about cold paws.
Summer tip: Don’t let them stand on hot pavement—those tiny toe beans burn fast.
11. Puppies vs. Adult Dogs: Who’s Easier?
Surprise: potty training an adult rescue can actually be easier than a baby puppy, depending on their history.
The process is similar, but:
- Adults usually have better bladder control.
- They may already have some house training.
- They still need a schedule, crate training, and reinforcement.
Don’t assume they “should know better.” Treat them like a puppy until you’re sure.
12. Know When to Call in the Pros to Potty Train Your Dog
If you’re doing everything right and your dog is still peeing like it’s their part-time job, consult:
- Your vet – rule out medical issues like UTIs or digestive problems.
- Local trainers – like Paws & Play Dog Resort in Fishers or Bark Tutor in Indianapolis. They offer potty training bootcamps or private consults.
13. Funny (and Totally Real) Central Indiana Potty Training Moments
- “My puppy pooped in the middle of the Carmel Farmers Market. We just pretended to admire the radishes while I cleaned it up.”
- “My dog only pees on gravel. So now we have a gravel square in our Greenwood backyard like it’s some kind of rustic spa feature.”
- “During a storm, my Great Dane peed on my yoga mat. I took it as a sign from the universe to stop pretending I do yoga.”
14. Signs You’re Winning
- Your pup starts whining at the door.
- You have fewer “mystery puddles” under the couch.
- You can watch a Pacers game without pausing it for pee breaks.
- Your dog stares at you triumphantly after doing their business outside, like “Did you see that? I NAILED IT.”
15. It’s a Phase—And You’ll Miss It (Kinda)
Potty training is temporary. In a few weeks or months, you’ll barely remember that you had to potty train your dog. What you will remember is the bond you built through the process. The shared victories. The puddle-free peace.
And yes, you’ll laugh about that time they pooped in the checkout line at Target (eventually).
The Wrap-Up: Keep Calm and Carry Poo Bags to Potty Train Your Dog
Whether you’re in Zionsville, Avon, Greenwood, or beyond—to potty train your dog can be a messy, ridiculous, and ultimately rewarding journey. Show up with consistency, compassion, and a pocket full of treats, and you’ll get there with your little stinkers.
Now go forth, Indiana dog parents! You’ve got this.
And remember: everyone’s dog pees on the rug at least once. It’s a rite of passage.
Got any hilarious potty-training fails or wins? Share them in the comments below—especially if they happened in the middle of Monument Circle. We’re all in this together.
Your pets do their business, and Speedy Scoop handles the rest—reliably, efficiently, and with a smile. So before your next mow, scoop the poop, or make a poop 911 call to the pros and get a pet butler or turd burglar for your lawn. Let’s keep Central Indiana clean, one yard at a time.
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