How to House Potty Train Your Puppy While You Work?

Leaving a tiny puppy alone while you head to work can feel like leaving a piece of your heart behind—especially when house potty training is still in full swing. Those little paws and big eyes don’t come with a built-in sense of where to go, and balancing a 9-to-5 with teaching them the ropes takes patience, planning, and a few smart tricks.

First, start with a consistent schedule that aligns with your work hours. Puppies can’t hold their bladders long—usually one hour for each month of age—so if you’re gone eight hours, you’ll need help. A trusted neighbor, pet sitter, or dog walker can stop by midday to let them out, take them for a short walk, and reinforce good habits. While you’re home, take them out first thing in the morning, right after meals, and before bed—this builds a routine they’ll start to anticipate. Always praise them like they’ve just won a prize when they go in the right spot; positive reinforcement sticks better than scolding, which can just confuse them.

Invest in a safe, cozy space for when you’re away. A crate or a small, gated area with a pee pad can be a lifesaver, but don’t overdo it—crates should never be used for punishment, and the space needs to be big enough for them to move around, lie down, and have a separate area for the pad. Think of it as their little apartment while you’re gone. Some puppies take to pads quickly, others prefer grass patches—experiment to see what your pup likes. And remember, laws in many places require dogs to have adequate space and breaks, so make sure whatever setup you choose keeps them comfortable and meets local guidelines.

Use tools that work with their natural instincts. Puppies are creatures of habit, so placing their bed, water, and potty area in the same spots helps them learn faster. Scent markers, like the ones designed to attract them to a specific area, can give them a nudge in the right direction. Avoid leaving food or water out all day—measure meals and offer water at set times to prevent accidents. When you get home, greet them calmly (save the excited hugs for after they’ve gone outside) and head straight to their potty spot. This sends a clear message: outside time comes first.

Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. If you come home to a mess, resist the urge to scold them—they won’t connect the punishment to something they did hours ago. Instead, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, so they don’t revisit the spot. Track their accidents in a notebook or app—you might notice patterns, like they always go 30 minutes after eating, which can help you adjust their schedule. Over time, those accidents will get fewer and farther between, and you’ll both start to feel more confident.

Training a puppy while working isn’t easy, but watching them trot over to the door when they need to go? It’s worth every early morning and midday check-in. Be kind to yourself, stay consistent, and remember—this phase passes quickly. Before you know it, your little troublemaker will be a pro, and those workday potty sessions will feel like second nature for both of you.