One of the most important life skills you can teach your new puppy is when and where to go to the bathroom. This can also be one of the most exhausting, frustrating and annoying ordeals that you have to work through as a pet owner. 

House soiling is actually one of the most common reasons for pets to be surrendered to a shelter or given up to a new home. The day you bring your puppy home is the day you should start shaping their routines to prevent this. 

I was a late starter in the puppy world. I grew up on a farm so all of my childhood pets were outdoors and lived in the barns. They came and went as they pleased and the world was essentially their toilet.

While I have many fond memories of those pets, I had literally no life experience potty training puppies when I adopted my first puppy. 

I remember staring at this adorable chocolate brown pup and vaguely wondering how he had managed to produce THAT MUCH poop on my carpet in the few seconds I had stepped away to use the bathroom myself.

What had I gotten myself into?

The Basics of Puppy Potty Training

As I later found out, puppy potty training doesn’t have to be hard. At its core, potty training is simply teaching your puppy exactly where and when they can go to the bathroom. Ideally they hold it while in the house and then go potty outside or in a specific spot indoors.

Since dogs and humans do not speak the same language things can get messy pretty quickly- especially if you don’t know how to communicate what you want to your puppy.

That is why I am here to help!

Setting Up for Success

Initially, you need to choose the correct potty training type for you and your household. There are two main types: 

• Indoor Potty Training: In this training, the puppy uses newspapers or a potty pad as the correct location to use the bathroom. Most often pet parents will choose this method if they are away for long hours of the day and hiring a dog walker or sitter isn’t an option. People who live in apartments or large metropolis areas with minimal green space commonly choose this.
• Outdoor potty training: In this training, the puppy is taken outside to a specific point or on a specific path to do their business. This is a great option for people who have access to a yard or boulevards within an easy walking distance.

Put some thought into how you want your daily life with your dog to be. 

Are you comfortable with cleaning poo and pee up from mats/pads on the floor in your house- then choose the indoor method. 

Or are you comfortable with gearing up and heading outside, rain or shine 4-5 times daily? If so, the outdoor training path is for you!

Choose whichever method fits your life the best and carefully set up the area you would like them to go potty in. 

At first when training this, it’s easiest to use the same area, with the same scents and objects until the puppy gets the hang of potty training. 

Collect the Must-Have Potty Training Tools and Supplies

• Grab a crate: This should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lie comfortably in. 

Now bear with me, most owners initially are horrified by the thought of containing their beautiful new bundle of fluff in a crate for any amount of time. But a crate can be an amazing training tool to use for potty training. 

Dogs are den animals and naturally have a desire to keep their living quarters clean. By containing your puppy in a crate while you are not watching them, you are helping to understand that they are expected to keep the living areas clean; they don’t like a pee stained carpet in their living room any more than you do! 

Bigger is not better with dog crates; if it is too big they will most likely poop in one corner and sleep in the other! Most crates come with a handy divider that helps you expand the size of the crate as your puppy grows bigger. This eliminates having to buy multiple cages as your puppy gets older.

• Puppy pads: If you want to train your puppy in the indoor style, grab a few packs of potty pads. These are square or rectangular shaped absorbent pads with an waterproofed underside to protect your flooring and an absorbent top layer to contain any liquids or stool. 
• Collar/Leash/Harness: Even if you have a yard to let your puppy out into to potty, I would recommend that you get them used to the idea of going to the bathroom on a leash to make life easier for yourself

Speaking from experience, I have a dog that I adopted as an eight month old puppy that had never learned to potty on a leash.  I just let her outside to go potty and never thought anything of it. 

Now, we moved to a much more urban area with no yard and she has to potty while on a leash. To this day, I have to walk her at least 1-2 miles (in all kinds of weather) before she even thinks about going to the bathroom. 

I do so dearly wish I had trained her to potty on a leash from the start to prevent these super long walks in the rain, glaring sun and snow.

• Poop Bags: Last but probably the most important item, poop bags! These come in many shapes, sizes, colors and even scents! I try to be as eco-friendly as I can be and finally found compostable poop bags that fit my needs and help to reduce the environmental impact pets have on the world. Click here to see these on Amazon. I am not an affiliate, I just love them that much!

Puppy Potty Training in 10 Easy Steps

While it requires patience and consistency, following a structured process can make the training experience smoother for both you and your furry friend. 

Key Tip: A puppy can reasonably be expected to be able to hold its bladder 1 hr for each month of age it is. So a two month old puppy needs to be taken out every 2hr whereas a 7 month old puppy can be taken out every 7hr. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the puppy potty training process along with tips for recognizing your puppy’s cues:

1. Establish a Routine:

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Establish a regular schedule for feeding, watering, and bathroom breaks. Puppies typically need to poop/pee right after eating, drinking, waking up from a nap, or engaging in play. They should also be taken outside first thing in the morning and last thing at night. By sticking to a routine, you can create a predictable time for your puppy to know when it can go to the bathroom. 

2. Choose a Potty Spot:

Designate a specific area in your yard or a spot indoors (if using puppy pads or a litter box) where you want your puppy to go potty.

Consistently taking your puppy to the same spot will help them associate that area with the act of elimination. Stay at this spot until they have gone to the bathroom.

Do not play or let them get distracted until they have accomplished what you need them to do in this area.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement:
Once your puppy poops/pees in the desired spot, immediately praise them and offer a small treat as a reward. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the behavior you want to encourage.

Never punish your puppy for accidents. Honestly you will never time the punishment correctly and punishment can create fear and anxiety about potty training for the puppy.

Dogs do not think like humans do; humans have the ability to think back to past events and reflect on them. Dogs live in the moment and do not connect a previous action like pooping on the carpet with the current situation. 

If you come home from work and find a puddle on the rug and proceed to yell, or worse, rub your dog’s face in it, they have no way of connecting the terrifying thing you’re doing to them now with the past action of going potty when they needed to. 

Punishment for an accident only frays and shatters the emotional bond between you and your dog. 

4. Watch for Cues:

By paying close attention to your puppy’s behavior, you can often see  signs that they need to go potty. Common cues to see are circling, whining, sniffing the ground, or suddenly stopping an activity. When you notice these cues, take your puppy to the designated potty spot as fast as you can. 

5. Establish a Verbal Cue:

Introduce a verbal cue, such as “go potty”,”do your business” or “boogie down,” while your puppy is going to the bathroom. 

Repeat the cue consistently each time they go potty and reward them afterwards.  With repetition, they will begin to associate the phrase with the action. This verbal cue can be useful when you are in a hurry and need them right now so you can keep to your schedule.  

This was definitely the best thing I ever taught my golden retriever. I was living in North Dakota at the time- where you can get frostbite in the winter in less than 10 minutes and hot coffee will freeze before it hits the ground if thrown into the air. 

I taught her to potty on the command “go potty” which let me just turn her loose out the back door, give the command and then recall her from the yard without having to put snow pants and boots on!

6. Total Supervision:

Until your puppy is reliably potty trained, it’s essential to supervise them closely when indoors. Keep them confined to a small, puppy-proofed area when you can’t watch them directly. 

If you don’t have a pen, using a crate or baby gates to limit their access to the rest of the house works just as well. Another alternative is tethering your puppy to your waist with a belt or a hands-free leash so that they remain within your line of sight at all times.

7. Be Patient and Persistent:

Potty training takes time and can be a gradual process. Accidents will happen…this happens to everyone, especially in the early stages of training. 

Stay patient, remain consistent with your training methods, and celebrate each success along the way. Some puppies learn in the matter of a few days; others need months to finally become consistent. 

8. Clean Accidents Thoroughly:

If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet messes. 

Dogs experience the world more through scent than sight and the last thing you want is a big scent billboard saying “poop here” in your living room. 

If you eliminate these odors your puppy will be less attracted to the same spot.

9. Adjust the Schedule as Needed:

As your puppy grows and develops, their bathroom needs may change. Be prepared to adjust their potty schedule accordingly. 

Younger puppies may need more frequent bathroom breaks, while older puppies can typically hold it for longer periods. 

Remember that rule of thumb: for each month of age, they can usually hold it for one hour!

10. Stay Consistent:

Consistency is crucial throughout the entire potty training process. Stick to your established routine, reinforcement methods, and cues to help your puppy understand what is expected of them. It will happen in time.

One of the most prevalent challenges in potty training is dealing with indoor accidents. 

Overcoming Potty Training Setbacks and Accidents

While encountering setbacks in potty training is normal, there are several strategies pet owners can employ to navigate these challenges effectively. 

Whether it’s due to a lack of understanding, excitement, or simply an inability to hold it in, accidents are bound to happen, especially in the early stages of training. 

Another common issue is a reluctance to go outside. Some puppies may resist outdoor elimination due to fear, unfamiliarity, or discomfort with their surroundings. Additionally, fear of certain areas, such as noisy streets or slippery surfaces, can further complicate the training process.

Patience and persistence are key; understand that accidents are a natural part of your puppy’s learning process can help you maintain a positive mindset. 

Stick to a regular potty schedule and closely supervising your puppy during training sessions can minimize accidents indoors and encourage outdoor elimination. 

Remember to take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. 

If your puppy shows reluctance to go outside or exhibits fear-related issues, such as avoiding certain areas, it’s essential to address these concerns with patience and understanding. 

Gradual exposure to unfamiliar environments and positive reinforcement using treats and praise can help remove your puppy’s fears and build their confidence.

Potty training your puppy can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride, with its ups and downs. But guess what? It’s important to celebrate those ups and enjoy passing the training milestones. Give your pup a pat on the back (or a belly rub, they love those too)! 

Recognizing Potty Training Milestones

1. The First Outdoor Potty Victory

Remember that feeling when your puppy finally gets the hang of going potty outside? It’s a momentous occasion! Whether they do their business right away or take a little extra sniffing around, every successful outdoor potty session deserves a round of applause. So grab some treats, shower them with praise, and let them know they’re doing a paw-some job!

2. Consistent Bathroom Breaks

When your puppy starts signaling that it’s time to go outside, it’s a sign of progress! Whether they sit by the door, bark, or even give you a little nudge, these cues mean they’re starting to understand the routine. Make sure to acknowledge their communication efforts and reinforce their behavior with positive reinforcement. A treat or a favorite toy can make those bathroom breaks even more rewarding!

3. Accident-Free Days

Okay, let’s be real – accidents happen, and that’s okay! But when you notice that your puppy is having more and more accident-free days, it’s time to celebrate their hard work and your consistency in training. Keep up the good work, and don’t forget to give them plenty of praise and maybe even a special treat to mark the occasion.

4. Gradual Independence

As your puppy becomes more confident and reliable with their potty habits, they’ll start to show signs of independence. Whether they start heading to the door on their own or let you know when they need to go out without any prompting, these moments are worth celebrating. It’s a sign that your puppy is growing up and becoming a responsible member of the household!

Rewarding Ideas for Successful Potty Training Sessions

Now that we’ve covered some of the milestones to watch out for, let’s talk about how to reward your puppy for their hard work during potty training sessions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Treats: A tasty treat is always a hit with pups! Choose something your puppy loves and save it for potty training victories.
• Praise: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “good boy” or “good girl.” Your puppy craves your approval, so shower them with praise whenever they do the right thing.
• Playtime: After a successful potty break, why not reward your puppy with a fun game of fetch or a favorite toy? It’s a great way to reinforce positive behavior and bond with your furry friend.

Remember, every puppy is different, so feel free to get creative with your rewards and find what works best for your pup. The important thing is to show them how proud you are of their progress and make potty training a positive and rewarding experience for both of you.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Puppy Potty Training

Now that you know the basics of teaching your puppy where to go potty, let’s learn some extra tricks to make it even easier and more successful.

1. Use a designated potty area:

   Designating a specific spot in your yard for your puppy to do their business can help streamline the potty training process. Take your pup to the same spot each time they need to go, and be sure to praise them when they use it successfully. This consistency will help reinforce the desired behavior and make potty breaks more efficient.

2. Constant Monitoring:

   Take your puppy with you everywhere in the house- even to your bathroom! Pay attention to your puppy’s body language, as it can often give you clues about when they need to go potty. If you miss a signal or stop watching them for a few minutes, you may end up with an accident on your rug.

3. Use your tools:

   When your puppy is indoors, using baby gates or a crate to confine them to a smaller area are extremely helpful when you can’t supervise directly. This will help minimize the chances of accidents and give you the opportunity to intervene if needed.

4. Everyone in agreement:

   the key to potty training is patience and consistency: Above all, Everyone in the household needs to be training the puppy the same way. 

Make sure to have a family meeting and all should agree on how you will potty train. If the puppy is rewarded for multiple different things, it’s going to take a long time for them to understand what is wanted of them

With time, consistency and dedication, your puppy will become a potty training pro in no time!

Potty Training Success Awaits!

Congratulations, puppy parents – you’ve made it to the end of our potty training journey! We’ve covered a lot of ground, from timing trips to the potty with feeding and playtime to rewarding your pup with treats and praise

We’ve delved into recognizing milestones, explored expert tips and tricks, and shared strategies for overcoming setbacks. Now, as we wrap up, let’s take a moment to recap the key points and offer some final words of encouragement.

Key Takeaways in Puppy Potty Training: 

• A puppy can reasonably be expected to be able to hold its bladder 1 hr for each month of age it is. (ex/ a 5 month old puppy can be expected to hold it for 5 hours)
• Stick to a Routine: Make a schedule for feeding, watering, and bathroom breaks. Keeping things consistent helps your puppy know what to expect.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise and treats show your puppy when they do the right thing. Be patient and celebrate their successes.

• Choose Your Method: Decide if you want to train indoors with pads or go outside. Pick what works best for you and your puppy’s lifestyle.
• Use Helpful Tools: Crates, designated potty areas, and constant supervision can make training easier. They help your puppy learn where to go and when.

As you embark on your own potty training journey, we encourage you to stay engaged and proactive. Share your experiences with fellow puppy parents – whether it’s a triumph or a challenge, your insights could help others facing similar situations. And if you find yourself in need of further guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. There’s a wealth of resources available, from online communities to professional trainers, ready to lend a helping hand.

Above all, remember to enjoy the process. Potty training may have its ups and downs, but it’s also an opportunity to bond with your puppy and lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive habits. So take a deep breath, keep a positive mindset, and trust in the journey. Before you know it, you’ll be looking back on these days with pride and gratitude for the journey you’ve shared with your puppy.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure in puppy potty training. We wish you and your pup all the best as you continue to learn and grow together. Here’s to many happy, accident-free days ahead!

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