Puppies eliminate every time they change activities... when they wake up, when they finish eating, when they finish playing, and when they feel like it. Maybe every 1/2 hr to start. Slowly increase the time between breaks as their bladders grow. Small breed dogs may take many many many months to mature.

A general guideline is, a puppy can hold it for an hour for every month they are old.... a three month old pup can usually hold it for three hours during the day, and longer during the night. If your pup makes it through the night, never expect them to be that good during the day.

Keys to speedy training...

• Routine, routine, routine
• Feed on a schedule, no free feeding
• Don't stand there... walk them, it makes things move
• Praise and treats when they eliminate outside
• Supervision or confinement at all times
• Use a crate or ex-pen
• NEVER punish for mistakes
• Give a treat as soon as they finish

If you catch them in the act, you can loudly clap your hands while they are mid-stream. This usually stops them, so you can scoop them up and take them to the right place. Praise them if they go and reinforce with a yummy treat.

Frequent urination can be a sign of a bladder infection. A simple urinalysis taken to your vet will tell you if it's medical or behavior.

If your pup pee's outside, be sure to stay out and play with them for a minute. If you always bring them inside right away, they may hold it to stay outside longer.

For young puppies that have been raised in small confined areas like a pet store cage, they learn that playing, eating, sleeping and soiling all are done in the same area. This type of puppy takes a lot of patience and time.