How to Potty Train a Puppy in Colorado

Potty training puppies can be relatively simple—or cause us a lot of grief. Some of the techniques that simplify the potty training process (and some of the reasons it can be a ruff go) might surprise you. The main concept is that practice makes perfect, whether it’s a habit we want our puppy to develop, or one that we don’t.

If you live in Colorado, you already know that weather, schedule, and environment can affect how to potty train a puppy successfully. Snow, cold mornings, and limited outdoor access make consistency and planning even more important.

Why Breeder Setup Matters for Potty Training in Colorado

First and foremost, the way that the litter was raised will have a profound effect on potty training your puppy. Crazy, right? Training is training, amiright? I wish…

If the litter was not kept clean and they soiled the same area they slept in, they already have a dirty habit. Puppies whose sleeping area was kept very clean early on, and who had access to a separate area for pottying—away from eating and sleeping—are much easier to potty train.

So if you buy a puppy from a breeder or a rescue who keeps the puppies contained in the same area for sleeping, pooping, and eating, what those puppies are learning is that it’s okay to poop wherever they can. Puppies that have an opportunity to move away from their mess are fussier (in a good way) about using the bathroom away from their sleeping, eating, and play areas.

Practice makes perfect.

This breeder has a great setup for these puppies’ future families:

Puppies raised in a small space—whether from a breeder, in a shelter, or from a pet store (face-palm)—are much more likely to be difficult to potty train simply because there isn’t the space for them to practice sanitary potty training behavior.

Keeping Your Puppy on a Schedule (Especially in Colorado Weather)

Timing the feeding routine, access to water, and potty breaks is critical. Puppies need to poop and pee right when they wake up, after eating, and after playing.

While confined in a crate and at rest, most puppies can “hold it” for about two hours per month of age. You will likely need to do one or two middle-of-the-night let-outs for an 8-week-old puppy.

Your feeding routine should be on a schedule. In order to predict the timing and quantity of what should be coming out, you need to monitor when the food is going in. You’ll adjust your schedule based on the success of your routine.

Practice makes perfect.

Pro Tip: Feed your meals through simple training sessions or puppy preschool-style routines. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can reinforce manners while feeding.

Most dogs understand “near or far” from their own poop and pee. Inside or outside is less important to them initially. To instill that concept, you must supervise and confine your puppy. Allowing them to wander out of sight, even briefly, will likely result in an accident indoors.

When you live in Colorado, take advantage of short, positive outdoor breaks. Puppies may hesitate in the cold or snow, so celebrate every outdoor success with praise or play.

Pro Dog Training Tip: When your puppy goes potty outside, take at least three more minutes to play or walk around. This teaches your puppy to go quickly rather than waiting to extend their fun time.

Get Professional Puppy Training Help in Colorado

Struggling with accidents or frustration? Dog Dynamix can help with professional puppy training!
Our Colorado-based trainers use proven puppy potty training methods that make the process faster, easier, and more reliable.

👉 Book a Free Puppy Training Evaluation

Diet and Digestion: How Nutrition Affects Potty Training Success

Feeding your puppy a high-quality diet helps them develop properly—physically and mentally—and can prevent digestion or urinary tract issues. Poor-quality dog food filled with preservatives and fillers leads to more frequent bathroom breaks.

Kibble is the equivalent of fast food for dogs. Yes, they can survive on it, but it can cause long-term problems. Diets can be customized to breed and growth rate, but the gold standard of canine nutrition is feeding a balanced raw diet.

Whether you feed raw or kibble, do some research on canine nutrition to aid you in potty training your puppy in Colorado:

• Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst
  
• Best Dry Dog Foods – Dog Food Advisor
  

Ruling Out Medical Causes

If you are following the schedule, supervising and confining your puppy, feeding a high-quality diet, and they’re still having accidents—especially in the crate—rule out medical issues.

It’s incredibly common for puppies to have Giardia, parasites, or urinary tract infections. Even if your puppy was previously dewormed, take a stool or urine sample to your vet. Before you can solve potty training problems, rule out any medical condition.

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy in Colorado?

The timeline depends on your consistency, your puppy’s age, and their environment. Most Colorado puppies start to “get it” by 12 to 16 weeks old when routines are consistent. Learn more about dog daycare options! Weather and household setup (stairs, yards, apartments) can lengthen the process slightly.

Remember, every successful trip outside reinforces the right behavior. For most families, full reliability happens between 4 and 6 months of age, but even older puppies can learn with consistency.If it feels like a lot of work—that’s because it can be! Consider a puppy boarding and training program in Colorado with a professional trainer to keep your puppy on track. Practice makes perfect.