06/21/2026
Chloe was fully house‑broken by about 6 or 7 months old (6....7 will never be the same).
Her early accidents were mostly from overstimulation and having a tiny puppy bladder, not from stubbornness or “not knowing better.” With the right structure, it clicked fast & it can for your dog too.
Thought I would share some exact rules I followed:
1. Take them out a few minutes after eating or drinking.
German Shepherds especially have predictable digestion.)
A quick potty trip right after meals, water, play, and waking up prevents most accidents before they happen.
2. NEVER scold for accidents & ALWAYS praise the wins
Corrections only create confusion. Quietly clean indoor accidents and save all your energy for praising the moment they potty outside. Go with them so you can mark and reward the exact behavior.
3. Keep them attached to you when loose in the house
Use a leash or keep them in the same room so you can catch early signs like circling, sniffing, or wandering off. Supervision prevents mistakes and builds the habit faster.
4. Potty before crate time and skip puppy pads
A quick potty trip before crating sets them up for success. No puppy pads in the house, they only blur the rules and slow down training.
