Potty training a puppy is one of the biggest challenges new dog parents face. It takes time, patience, and consistency. But did you know most people make the same mistake over and over again? This mistake makes potty training take much longer — and causes stress for both you and your pup.
So what is the #1 mistake in potty training a puppy?
👉 Not giving your puppy enough chances to go outside.
Puppies have tiny bladders and very little control. They can’t “hold it” like older dogs. If you wait too long between potty breaks, your puppy will have accidents in the house. Over time, this teaches your pup the wrong lesson — that it’s okay to pee or poop inside.
When I brought home my golden retriever, Waffles, I learned this the hard way. On his second day, I thought I could run to switch the laundry before taking him out. By the time I came back, there he was — sitting proudly in a little puddle in the living room. That mess reminded me that puppies simply can’t wait, no matter how quick you think you’ll be!
How Often Should Puppies Go Out?
Here’s a simple rule: your puppy can usually hold it for one hour per month of age (up to about 6 hours).
- A 2-month-old puppy → every 2 hours
- A 3-month-old puppy → every 3 hours
- A 4-month-old puppy → every 4 hours
This means you’ll need to take your puppy out a lot during the day — and even at night for very young pups
Want to know how to avoid the #1 mistake in potty training a puppy? Try these simple steps:
- Stick to a schedule: Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, and before bed.
- Use a crate or playpen: Puppies don’t like to go potty where they sleep. This helps teach them to hold it until they’re outside.
- Praise and reward: Every time your puppy goes potty in the right spot, use a happy voice and give a small treat. This teaches them where they should go.
The #1 mistake in potty training a puppy is waiting too long between potty breaks. By taking your pup out often and rewarding success, you’ll avoid accidents and build good habits fast.
⭐ Pro Tip: Consistency is everything. The more chances your puppy has to go outside, the quicker they’ll learn to potty in the right place.
✨ Want more help with potty training?
Join my free Facebook group where I host the “3 Steps to a Potty Trained Puppy” workshop.
In this free training, I’ll walk you through my 3 simple, proven steps to help your puppy understand where (and when!) to go potty—without stress, confusion, or endless mess.
You’ll learn:
✅ The “Hold Time” Rule – so you can set a realistic potty schedule
✅ The Power of Routine – how consistency builds faster success
✅ Crate Training Done Right – using it as a safe, supportive tool (not punishment)
Whether you just brought your puppy home or have been struggling for weeks, you’ll walk away with a clear plan you can start using the same day—and see results fast.
Have you ever booked a trip, only to later find out you paid more than you needed to? I know I have — and it’s frustrating. You do the work of planning, you get excited about your destination, and then you see the exact same trip advertised for way less. Ouch.
That’s why I want to let you in on the one question I always ask before hitting that “Book Now” button:
👉 “Am I really getting the best value for my money?”
Notice I didn’t say the cheapest price. Those two things aren’t always the same.
Price vs. Value
Here’s the truth: you can find cheap travel everywhere — but cheap often comes with hidden costs. Maybe it’s inconvenient flight times, endless layovers, resort fees you didn’t see coming, or cancellation policies that lock you in with no flexibility. Suddenly, that “cheap” deal doesn’t feel so cheap.
Instead, I’ve learned to focus on value. Value means comparing what’s included and what’s guaranteed. It means asking:
- Does this booking include perks like free breakfast, airport transfers, or resort credits?
- Are taxes and fees included in the price? gratuity?
- Am I protected if prices drop after I book?
- Do I have flexible options if plans change?
When you start looking at travel this way, you’ll see how quickly the savings add up — not just in dollars, but in peace of mind.
A Personal Example
Last year, I priced out a hotel stay for my family. On a big-name site, it looked like the best deal — until I added up all the extras: parking fees, breakfast costs, and resort fees. When I compared it through my travel membership, not only was the base rate lower, but those extras were either included or heavily discounted. In the end, the savings were hundreds of dollars.
All because I asked the right question.
Your Turn
So before you book your next trip — whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or the bucket list adventure of a lifetime — pause for just a second and ask: Am I really getting the best value?
It’s a simple question, but it can save you stress, time, and yes — a whole lot of money.
Because the goal isn’t just to travel more. It’s to travel smarter. ✈️💡
If you want more ways to stretch your travel dollars and make every trip unforgettable,
come join me inside my free Facebook group:
It’s where I share tips, tools, and real-life strategies to help families travel smarter, not harder.
And if you’re curious about the platform I use — the one that guarantees I never have to wonder if I’m getting the best deal (and even gives 150% back if you find it cheaper) — then you’ll love exploring the Travel Smarter Method with us. Because the truth is, it’s not about booking another trip. It’s about creating trips that matter. 🌍✈️💛
Got a puppy with too much energy and no way to run it off? This will help...
Rain, snow, or a busy schedule can make outdoor walks tricky — but that doesn’t mean your puppy has to bounce off the walls. The good news is you can provide just as much stimulation indoors. In fact, learning how to tire out a puppy without going outside is a lifesaver for new dog parents. With the right mix of mental games and quick activities, you’ll have a calm, content pup in no time.
🐾 Short Bursts of Training Games
Training isn’t just about obedience — it’s one of the easiest ways to use up puppy energy indoors.
- Keep sessions short: just 1–3 minutes to match their attention span.
- Focus on simple cues like sit, down, stay, come, or leave it
- Need help on how or where to start? Grab my Puppy Training Cheat Sheet & Trackers
- Reward instantly with tiny treats or kibble pieces.
- As a puppy nutritionist and Waffles' mom, I recommend these.
These mini training games double as mental workouts, which can be more tiring than physical play.
Do a few sessions throughout the day and you’ll notice your puppy’s energy levels drop.
🧩 Puzzle Feeders or Treat-Dispensing Toys
When you want to know how to tire out a puppy without going outside, puzzle toys are your best friend. Mental stimulation challenges your pup’s brain, leaving them satisfied and ready for a nap.
- Try a stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, or rolling treat ball.
- Rotate toys daily so your puppy stays interested.
- Bonus: slows down fast eaters and helps prevent destructive chewing.
Think of puzzle feeders as brain exercise — a powerful way to calm an active pup indoors.
🎾 Tug-of-War & Hide-and-Seek
For a quick energy release, try play-based games.
- Tug-of-war: Burn energy while building your bond. Use a rope toy and add a release cue like “drop it.” Remember to let them win often for confidence.
- Hide-and-seek: Cue your puppy to stay while you hide, then call them to find you or a favorite toy.
Both games work on impulse control and provide fun exercise — no backyard required.
If you’re wondering how to tire out a puppy without going outside, remember it doesn’t take hours of exercise — just the right activities. Rotate short training games, puzzle feeders, and play sessions to create a routine that leaves your pup happy, calm, and ready to rest.
⭐ Pro Tip: A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy — and that’s a win for the whole family
✨ Want to make training easier (and more fun)?
Download my Puppy Training Cheat Sheets & Trackers — printable guides with step-by-step instructions for teaching the 5 basic commands and keeping your puppy on track.
👉 Grab your Cheat Sheets here and start seeing progress today!
The Fourth of July is full of fun for us—BBQs, parades, and dazzling fireworks—but for dogs, it can be a night of fear and anxiety. Loud booms, flashing lights, and unfamiliar smells can send even the calmest pups into a panic.
As a dog mom and Certified Canine Nutritionist, I’ve helped many families prepare for holidays like this. Here’s how you can protect your pup and enjoy a stress-free celebration with confidence.
🔥 Why Fireworks Are So Scary for Dogs
Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing—up to four times more acute than humans. Combine that with the unpredictability of fireworks, and you’ve got a recipe for stress, fear, or even escape attempts.
Common signs your dog is anxious during fireworks:
- Panting, drooling, pacing
- Whining or barking
- Hiding or trying to escape
- Trembling or clingy behavior
✅ Fourth of July Dog Safety Checklist
Use this simple checklist to make the night safe and calm:
1. Secure Your Home and Yard
- Double-check gates, doors, and windows.
- Keep ID tags and microchip info up to date.
- Avoid outdoor time after dusk—many dogs run away during fireworks.
2. Create a Safe Space
- Use a crate, cozy room, or covered space your pup loves.
- Play calming music or white noise. (HERE is an inexpensive portable one that is nice b/c you can set it near the dogs area or if you have it you can use an Alexa or google device)
- Add favorite blankets or a worn shirt that smells like you.
3. Exercise Early
A long walk or play session during the day can help burn off extra energy and make it easier for your pup to rest later.
4. Feed a Comforting Meal
Some pups skip meals when stressed, so try offering dinner early. Include calming add-ins like:
- Turkey (natural tryptophan)
- Chamomile-infused treats (ask your vet first)
- A frozen KONG with peanut butter or plain yogurt and mashed banana: KONG makes a variety of freezable dog toys in different colors—each designed for specific chewing strengths. I always go for the black ones because they’re the toughest and most durable, perfect for powerful chewers or nervous pups who need serious distraction during fireworks.
Bonus Tip: Add a few calming herbs to dinner (like parsley or ginger) to help digestion and ease nerves.
5. Try Natural Calming Aids
- Calming chews (with ingredients like L-theanine or melatonin) such as THESE (be sire to pick a protein your pup can have)
- CBD oil for dogs (always ask your vet, use vet-approved, pet-safe brands)
❌ What Not to Do on the 4th of July
- Don’t bring your dog to the fireworks display.
- Don’t leave your dog alone outside.
- Don’t scold fearful behavior—comfort and support instead.
🐾 Bonus: Calming Treat Recipe
Try this easy Frozen Firework Treat to keep your dog cool and calm:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ banana, mashed
- 1 tsp peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- Sprinkle of ground flaxseed
Mix and freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays.
💬 Your dog doesn’t understand fireworks, but they do understand safety, routine, and you. With a little prep, your pup can feel secure even when the sky lights up.
Want more dog care tips like this? Explore my blog for natural calming options, nutrition hacks, and real-life tips for raising a happy, healthy pup.
And if you're new here—welcome! I help overwhelmed dog moms confidently nourish and care for their pups—one bowl and one bark at a time
I used to live in a constant state of “am I doing this right?”—especially when it came to raising our puppy, Waffles. Every choice felt like a high-stakes decision: what to feed him, how to train him, how much to socialize, when to start grooming… you get the idea.
And don’t get me started on all the advice—Google, vets, breeders, pet store employees, TikTok trainers, random neighbors at the dog park. Everyone meant well, but the noise was overwhelming.
I wanted to be a great dog mom. I wanted a happy, healthy pup. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was stressing myself out so much that I wasn’t even enjoying him.
Here are the mindset shifts that changed everything for me—and might just help you breathe a little easier too.
1. Progress Over Perfection
This was a biggie. I used to think I had to do everything just right or I’d mess up my dog for life. (Dramatic? Maybe. But it felt real at the time.)
Now, I give myself permission to grow with my dog. I learn, I adjust, and I forgive myself when I make a mistake. Dogs are resilient, and guess what? You’re doing better than you think.
2. No One Right Way to Raise a Dog
There’s not one perfect food, training method, or schedule that works for every family. And that’s okay.
Once I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s version of “ideal dog parenting” and focused on what worked for us, I felt instant relief. You’re not failing if your routine doesn’t look like that influencer’s on Instagram. Your dog doesn’t need perfect. Your dog needs you.
3. Simplify the Decisions
I used to stand in the pet food aisle with three options in my cart, reading labels like I was decoding the Da Vinci Code.
Now? I trust myself more. I’ve learned how to read labels and spot red flags, and I don’t chase trends—I choose what fits my dog’s needs, my budget, and my values. Done.
(If you’re still spinning in that aisle, girl, let me help. It doesn’t have to be that complicated.)
4. Your Energy Matters More Than Your Expertise
This one hit me hard. Dogs are incredibly intuitive—they pick up on our stress, our worry, our confidence (or lack of it).
The more I calmed down, the more my dog did too. I didn’t need to be an expert—I just needed to show up with calm leadership and love. That’s what makes you a great dog mom. Not a perfect one
5. Every Season Has Its Wins (and Its Challenges)
Puppyhood isn’t forever. Teething, potty training, and “zoomies at 11pm” won’t last forever.
But neither will the snuggles, the tiny paws, or that adorable way they follow you everywhere.
Now, instead of wishing hard seasons away, I try to be present. To laugh more. To document the messy, imperfect moments. Because they’re the ones I miss most when they’re gone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just plain exhausted—you're not alone. You love your dog fiercely, and that’s what matters most.
The calmer I became, the calmer my dog became. And it all started with choosing a mindset rooted in grace, simplicity, and trust.
You’ve got this! And if you ever need a guide, a nudge, or just someone to say “you’re doing great,” I’m here. 🐾
Want help simplifying your dog’s food choices?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
