What to include in the puppy zone

• A crate with a soft cover/blanket so it feels like a cozy den.
• Chew toys to keep them busy (and out of trouble).
• A pee pad or turf tray (if you’re starting indoors).
• A surface you can clean quickly and spot accidents on.
• A baby gate or pen to keep the zone contained and safe.

Keep the crate door open during the day so your puppy can come and go. Feed in the zone and let them nap there. Most puppies avoid pottying where they rest and eat—this builds the association you want.

Take your puppy outside (or to their pad)

• Once every hour in the beginning.
• Immediately after waking up.
• Right after eating or drinking.
• After intense play or zoomies.
• Right before bedtime.

Use the same potty spot each time and repeat a simple cue like “Go potty.” When they go, calmly celebrate with praise and a tiny treat. If you’re training indoors first, slowly move the pad closer to the door, then outside.

• If you catch them: calmly interrupt (“No”) and take them to the potty spot. Reward if they finish there.
• If you find it later: clean it up without scolding. Correcting later only confuses them and can damage trust.
• Use enzyme cleaner: it removes odor so they aren’t drawn back to the same spot.
• Remember: accidents aren’t their fault. A puppy having an accident in the house is no different than a baby using a diaper. They’re still learning, and patience is part of the job.

Your puppy isn’t being stubborn or spiteful. They’re learning what works. Calm, consistent reactions keep training on track.

The fastest way to house-train a Great Dane is boring consistency: same spot, same words, same routine every day.

• Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules and schedule.
• Keep the routine going even after your puppy seems “mostly trained.”
• Reduce freedom slowly—expand space only when accidents stop.
• Always go outside with your puppy when potty training.
• Always praise your puppy when they go potty outside.

Remember, there’s no such thing as too much praise when a puppy goes potty outside. Celebrate like they just won an award.

• Giving too much freedom too soon and letting the puppy wander unsupervised.
• Changing the potty area or cue words over and over.
• Skipping nighttime or early-morning potty breaks.
• Punishing accidents instead of managing the environment.
• Using strong cleaners that don’t fully remove odor.
• Always keep your puppy on a leash indoors. It makes it easier to limit wandering and helps keep them out of trouble before they invent new ways to cause it.

Fixing these small mistakes makes your potty training plan work faster and feel less frustrating.

These are the types of tools that make housebreaking easier (especially with a giant breed):

• A sturdy crate sized for a Great Dane (with divider while they grow).
• Washable pee pads or an artificial turf tray.
• Enzymatic cleaner formulated for pet odors.
• Puppy-safe chews to keep them busy in the crate.
• Door bells/potty bells so they can signal they need to go.