Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience. They’re so adorable, and you know you’re up for a fun journey with them. However, if you’re stepping over “surprises” on your living room rug and wiping up puddles every hour, it can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is, with the right approach and a little patience, you can potty train a puppy without losing your mind (or your favourite carpet). Here’s everything you need to know to survive and thrive in the potty training phase.
How to Potty Train a Puppy: Practical Tips that Work
Start with a Consistent Schedule
Puppies thrive on routine. Feeding, walks, naps, and potty breaks should all happen at the same time every day.
Puppies usually need to go to the toilet:
- Right after waking up
- After eating or drinking
- After playtime
- Every 1–2 hours, depending on age
Set a timer if you need to. The more consistent you are, the faster your pup will learn.
Pick a Potty Spot and Stick to It
Choose a designated potty area outside (or a puppy pad spot if indoors) and take your puppy there every single time. Doing this helps your puppy associate that spot with going to the toilet, making the training process faster and more consistent. It also reduces confusion and accidents by creating a clear routine your puppy can easily understand.
Pro Tip: Use the same phrase, like “go potty”, each time so your puppy connects the words with the action. Praise your furbaby immediately after they go with treats, cuddles, or a happy “good job” to help reinforce the behaviour.
Supervise Like a Hawk
Until your puppy is fully potty trained, they need constant supervision. If you can’t keep your eyes on them, use a crate, playpen, or baby gates to limit their access to the house.
Crate Suggestion: Dogs naturally avoid going to the toilet in their sleeping space. A properly sized crate can help teach your pup to “hold it” until you take them out.
Accidents Will Happen… Stay Calm
The best advice on how to potty train a puppy is to accept that accidents will happen; it’s simply part of the process. Even with your best efforts, your puppy is bound to make mistakes, but what truly matters is how you respond and guide them through learning.
Do:
- Clean up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odours.
- Gently interrupt if you catch them mid-accident and guide them outside.
- Praise them when they finish in the correct spot.
Don’t:
- Yell or punish them. It causes fear and confusion.
- Rub their nose in it (a harmful myth that doesn’t teach anything)
Track Progress (and Be Patient)
Every puppy learns at a different pace. Some might catch on in a week, while others need a few months. Celebrate the small wins. Three days with no accidents is a huge achievement!
You can even keep a little potty log. It helps you notice patterns and reduce the chance of future accidents.
Know When to Ask for Help
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask your vet or a certified dog trainer for guidance. Medical issues, anxiety, or improper training techniques can slow down progress.
How to Potty Train a Puppy: You’ve Got This!
Potty training your puppy can sometimes feel overwhelming, but remember that this is just one step in the beautiful journey of being a pet parent. Every accident cleaned up, and every success praised helps build trust and a lasting bond between you and your fur buddy. All the time, patience, and consistency you put in now, will be well worth it when you have a well-trained dog that feels safe, understood, and connected to you. You’ve got this! Every wonderful (potty trained) puppy story starts with a little mess and a lot of love!
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