I highly recommend crate training your Chow Chow puppy. Dogs naturally enjoy having a safe “den” where they can rest or retreat during times of stress. A crate provides a secure place for your puppy when you are away from home or unable to supervise them. The crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
If the crate is too large, your puppy may use one end as a sleeping area and the other as a bathroom, which can create bad habits and make house training more difficult. As your puppy grows, you can gradually increase crate size or use an adjustable crate with a divider panel, such as a Midwest Lifestages crate.
When your puppy goes potty in the correct area, make sure to PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!
(Good Dog! Good Potty Outside! Good Dog! What a Gooooood Dog! Lots of petting too!)
Where to Start:
Consistency and positivity are the keys to house training your new Chow Chow puppy. They will need patience, practice, and lots of praise.
Show your puppy the area where you want them to potty. If they go potty there, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!
Take your puppy out to potty in the same area each time:
Before meals
After eating
After drinking
After naps
After playtime
At least every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day and night at first
Remember, your puppy is still a baby and cannot “hold it” for very long. Be patient and consistent. Setting reminders or alarms can help you maintain a routine.
Never punish your puppy for accidents, especially if you do not catch them in the act. Clean accidents thoroughly using a pet odor remover such as Nature’s Miracle, then bring your puppy outside to the correct potty location. If they potty in the designated area, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!
Do not leave your puppy loose in the house without supervision. You can keep them nearby using a leash attached to your belt or wrist so they remain within sight at all times. If you cannot supervise your puppy, take them outside to potty and then place them safely in their crate.
Each week, your puppy may gradually be able to hold it longer. You can slowly increase the time between potty breaks by about 30 minutes each week while still taking them out before and after meals, naps, and play sessions.
Example Schedule:
8 weeks old — potty break every 2 hours
9 weeks old — every 2.5 hours
10 weeks old — every 3 hours
11 weeks old — every 3.5 hours
12 weeks old — every 4 hours
13 weeks old — every 4.5 hours
14 weeks old — every 5 hours
15 weeks old — every 5.5 hours
16 weeks old — every 6 hours
Once your puppy can consistently stay dry overnight in their crate, you can begin giving them supervised freedom in the house for gradually longer periods of time.
Many Chow Chows are fully house trained between 6 and 12 months of age. Some dogs, especially intact (not spayed or neutered) dogs, may still mark territory indoors. In these cases, spaying/neutering or the use of belly bands/dog wraps may help.
As your puppy matures and gains experience, they will be able to hold it longer and better understand where they are expected to potty.
An 8-week-old puppy may only be able to hold it for 2–3 hours maximum, while an adult Chow Chow may be able to stay comfortably overnight or 6–8 hours while crated.
With a new puppy, you should expect to provide potty opportunities every 2–3 hours at first, including overnight during the early weeks.
Remember — your new Chow Chow puppy is still a BABY dog!
Much like a newborn baby, they rely on you for consistent care, guidance, patience, and routine during their first few months.