Puppy Potty Training by Maureen Keene of Keene Kanine

Potty training is all about clear communication and consistency. When your puppy understands exactly what you expect, everything else becomes so much easier. A well‑potty‑trained puppy isn’t just cleaner — they’re calmer, more confident, and ready to learn. Once we build that foundation, the rest of your training falls beautifully into place.

-Maureen Keene

Puppy Housebreaking in Long Beach and Serving all of Nassau County NY

Potty training a puppy can feel like a full‑time job. One minute, they seem to “get it,” and the next minute, you’re cleaning up a surprise puddle in the hallway. It’s a process filled with small victories, setbacks, and lots of learning — for both you and your puppy. I walk you through every step, from establishing routines to preventing accidents and teaching your puppy how to signal when they need to go out.

Whether you’re using a crate, wee‑wee pads, a pen setup, or a combination of methods, I tailor the training to your home, your schedule, and your puppy’s personality. With the right structure and communication, your puppy will quickly learn what’s expected and how to succeed.

Crate Training, Pad Training, and Outdoor Training — Done Right

Every household is different, and every puppy learns differently. That’s why I work with you to choose the method that fits your lifestyle:

• Crate Training - If you’re using a crate, I teach your puppy to see it as a safe, cozy place — not a punishment. Crate training is one of the most effective tools for potty training because it teaches bladder control and helps prevent accidents when you can’t supervise.

• Wee‑Wee Pad Training - Some families need an indoor option, especially in apartments or during the early vaccination period. I’m experienced with pad training and can help you transition to outdoor potty training when the time is right.

• Outdoor Potty Training - If your goal is 100% outdoor potty training, I help you establish a consistent schedule, teach your puppy to communicate their needs, and show you how to reward the right behavior instantly and clearly.

No matter which method you choose, I make the process simple, structured, and stress‑free.

Housebreaking is one of the most important skills your puppy will ever learn, and it sets the tone for a calm, structured home life. Many new puppy owners feel overwhelmed because housebreaking can seem unpredictable, but with the right plan, it becomes a clear, manageable process. I will teach you how to create a consistent routine that helps your puppy understand exactly where and when they should go.

Housebreaking isn’t just about preventing accidents — it’s about building communication and trust between you and your puppy. When your puppy learns to hold it, signal their needs, and follow a predictable schedule, their confidence grows and so does yours. I show you how to recognize early signs, manage timing, and avoid the common mistakes that lead to setbacks. With structure, supervision, and the right guidance, housebreaking becomes a smooth, steady progression instead of a daily struggle. Together, we’ll turn this stage into a positive learning experience that sets your puppy up for long‑term success.

Preventing Accidents Before They Happen

Accidents happen, but they don’t have to be a constant part of your daily routine. I help you set up your home so your puppy stays on track, and success is the easiest option. This starts with proper confinement and safe play areas that prevent your puppy from wandering into trouble. I also teach you how to supervise effectively so you can catch early signs before an accident occurs. Feeding schedules, water timing, and predictable sleep‑and‑wake routines all play a major role in shaping good habits.

When these pieces work together, your puppy begins to understand the rhythm of the day and when it’s time to go outside. I guide you through recognizing the subtle signals puppies give when they need a bathroom break, long before they squat or circle. With the right structure and consistent guidance, accidents decrease dramaticall,y and your puppy gains confidence in doing the right thing.

Freedom Must Be Earned

One of the biggest mistakes I see is giving a puppy too much freedom too soon, and it almost always leads to preventable problems. When puppies are allowed to roam freely before they’re ready, they often have accidents because they haven’t learned how to manage their space or their bladder. They also tend to chew furniture, grab shoes, socks, remotes, and wires, and get into items that can be dangerous or difficult to correct later. Too much freedom too early can create habits that become harder to break as the puppy grows and becomes more confident in those behaviors.

I teach you how to introduce freedom slowly and intentionally so your puppy learns how to make good choices in a controlled environment. As your puppy proves they can be trusted, we expand their access to different areas of the home in a way that feels natural and safe. This gradual approach helps your puppy understand boundaries and builds their confidence without overwhelming them. Freedom is something your puppy earns through structure, consistency, and clear communication, not something that should be given all at once.

Nighttime Potty Training

Nighttime can be one of the trickiest parts of potty training. I help you establish:

• A bedtime routine
• Proper crate or pen setup
• Overnight potty expectations
• How to handle nighttime whining
• When to take them out (and when not to)
• How to avoid reinforcing unwanted behaviors

With the right structure, most puppies sleep through the night much sooner than you’d expect.

Potty Training for Apartments & High‑Rise Living

Living in a building adds extra challenges—elevators, long hallways, weather delays, and scheduling. I help you create a realistic plan that works for your environment, including:

• Pad‑to‑outdoor transitions
• Elevator desensitization
• Timing strategies
• Emergency options
• Building‑friendly routines

Apartment puppies can become perfectly potty-trained with the right guidance.

Potty Training and Behavior Go Hand‑in‑Hand

Potty training isn’t just about bathroom habits — it’s part of the bigger picture of raising a well‑behaved dog. During our sessions, I help you understand how potty training connects to other important behaviors your puppy is learning simultaneously. As we work together, we also address common challenges such as nipping, jumping, mouthing, chewing, barking, and leash-pulling, as these behaviors often accompany potty-training struggles.

Puppies learn best when structure is consistent across every part of their day, and that’s why we approach training as a whole, not in isolated pieces. When your puppy understands what’s expected in one area, it becomes easier for them to understand expectations in others. This creates a smoother learning process and reduces confusion for both you and your puppy. By reinforcing calm, respectful behavior during potty training, you’re also shaping the foundation for good manners everywhere else. A puppy who learns structure in one part of their routine naturally carries that structure into every part of their life.