Why Potty Training Luna Was Tough And Why That's Totally Normal

Luna is a 5-month-old Cockapoo I’m currently working with, and when her family got her, she wasn’t potty trained at all. Like many puppies, she didn’t yet understand that going outside is the “right” place to go.

Potty training might sound simple in theory: take your dog outside, they go, everyone celebrates, repeat forever. But if you’ve ever found a little surprise on your carpet or tile and wondered, “But we were just outside?”, you already know the truth: potty training is one of the hardest things to teach a puppy.

Puppies Don’t Come with Instructions

Dogs aren’t born knowing that grass is good and carpet is bad. To them, every surface is fair game until someone explains the rules. Puppies like Luna don’t yet understand that they’re supposed to hold it until it’s time to go outside. Small bladders, lots of energy, and curiosity everywhere make accidents inevitable at first.

Timing Is Everything and It’s Tricky

Potty training depends on timing. Feedback has to happen immediately, which is hard when accidents aren’t discovered until seconds or minutes later. By then, Luna has no idea why you’re upset, and you’re left frustrated that she “didn’t listen.”

Add in the unpredictability of naps, meals, playtime, and excitement, and it’s no wonder even sweet, smart puppies can feel like a puzzle you can’t solve.

Inconsistency Makes It Harder

Life happens. Sometimes it’s raining, sometimes you’re busy, and sometimes you really hope your dog can wait a few more minutes. Puppies notice when routines aren’t consistent, which slows learning. The more structured and predictable Luna’s potty routine, the faster she starts catching on.

Why Friendly, Excitable Puppies Are Extra Challenging

Luna is happy, curious, and loving — all the things that make her such a joy. But those same qualities make potty training harder. Excitement and distraction can make it easy for puppies to forget the rules entirely, especially when the world outside is full of smells, sounds, and adventures.

Structure Is the Secret

The key to potty success isn’t punishment. It’s clear routines, supervision, and guidance. By giving Luna consistent opportunities to go outside and rewarding the right behavior, she’s learning fast. Gradually, accidents are decreasing, and she’s starting to understand what’s expected of her.

With the right structure in place, even puppies who start out completely untrained can become confident, reliable, and much easier to live with.

Potty Training Thoughts: Why Puppies Like Luna Take Time

Potty training Luna has been a challenge, but it’s completely normal. Puppies are learning timing, routines, and expectations all at once, and it takes patience, consistency, and repetition.

If your puppy or young dog isn’t fully potty trained yet, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. With guidance, clear routines, and the right approach, potty training can become manageable, and life at home becomes much more enjoyable.

Need help with your puppy’s potty training (or other everyday habits)? Contact us at Belly Up Dog Training in Troy, IL and we’d love to help you and your dog build better habits, faster.