Potty training can be the first big challenge you’ll face as a new puppy owner. Don’t worry—it’s totally doable with the right structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully potty train your new pup and provide you with all our best tips, tricks and necessary supplies to ensure you are successful.
The earlier you start potty training, the better. Most puppies can start learning good potty habits as early as 5-6 weeks old. A good breeder will start this process for you, but remember: they’re still babies. Accidents will happen, and that’s completely normal. Stay calm and patient—it’s part of the process. If you are adopting an older dog that is struggling with potty training, the following steps still apply and will help you achieve a potty trained pup!
Step 1: Set a Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on routine. As soon as you get your puppy, establish a routine that you can consistently follow 7 days a week. Feed, water and potty your puppy on a consistent schedule. This allows your puppy to learn quickly how frequently they will have an opportunity to go outside and you an understanding of how soon after feeding your puppy they will need to go potty. Keep in mind, small dogs will need to go more frequently than large dogs at first.
A basic potty schedule should look like:
- Potty first thing in the morning
- After every meal
- After naps
- After playtime
- Before bedtime
- Every 1-2 hours in between
As they grow, their bladder control improves, and you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks.
Step 2: Pick a Potty Spot Outside
Take your puppy outside, on leash, to the same spot in your yard every time you take them out to go potty. The scent will signal that it’s time to go, and it helps them associate that area with potty time, not play.
If you live in an apartment and are concerned about allowing your new puppy to use communal areas for potty breaks due to Parvovirus, get a turf grass patch and place it outside on your patio or doorstep!
Use a consistent verbal cue like “Go potty” while they’re doing their business, so they learn to associate the words with the action.
❗ Never use puppy potty pads. These will only teach your puppy to go potty inside and will make potty training more challenging long term.
Step 3: Praise, Don't Punish
When your puppy goes potty outside, praise them immediately. Use treats, pets, and a happy tone of voice to reinforce the behavior. The goal is to help them connect outdoor potty time with rewards.
If you want to reward your puppy with a treat for going potty outside, make sure you do it immediately - don’t wait until you get back inside, otherwise they won't associate the treat with going potty. It’s always a good idea to wear a treat pouch when you have a puppy so you can reward immediately for all the good things they do.
Never punish your puppy for accidents in the house. Don’t rub their nose in it or scold them after the fact—it will only confuse them and add conflict to your new relationship. Instead, clean it up thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner made to rid the smell of urine and move on. If your puppy goes #2 inside, pick it up and put it outside in the designated potty area so they can smell it the next time they go outside.
Step 4: Supervise Indoors
Until your puppy is fully house trained, keep a close eye on them when they’re inside. Utilize baby gates and a puppy play pen to help manage your puppy better when they are loose in your house. Containing your puppy to a smaller area of your home will help ensure you aren’t missing their “potty signals” and help eliminate the potential of more accidents.
If you can’t supervise your new puppy, crate training is a great tool. Puppies instinctively avoid going potty where they sleep, which helps them learn bladder control. The crate you use for your puppy should be big enough for them to walk in, turn around and lay down.
Avoid using a crate that is too big as it will promote accidents as your puppy will be able to go potty on one side and sleep on the other. Crate your puppy anytime you can’t supervise them. This will not only help with potty training, but also help eliminate potential behavioral concerns like separation anxiety and destructive chewing.
Step 5: Learn the Signs
Puppies often show signs that they need to go, such as:
- Sniffing the floor
- Circling
- Whining or barking
- Heading toward the door
When you see these behaviors, take them outside right away.
Step 6: Clean Accidents Properly
Accidents will happen and that is completely normal and part of the puppy raising process.
Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor. Regular cleaners might not do the trick, and leftover smells can draw your puppy back to the same spot.
If you have other pets in your home that have had accidents on the carpet or area rugs, be sure that you have removed or cleaned these items prior to bringing the puppy home.
Step 7: Be Consistent
Consistency is key to potty training. Stick to your schedule, use the same commands, and reward good behavior every time. With consistent effort, most puppies can be potty trained within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Potty Training Timeline (General Guide)
Puppy Age
Potty Break Frequency
8-10 weeks
Every 1 hour
10-12 weeks
Every 1.5-2 hours
12-16 weeks
Every 2-3 hours
4-6 months
Every 3-4 hours
6+ Months
Every 4-6 hours
Final Thoughts
Potty training your puppy takes time, love, and consistency—but it’s so worth it. Stick with it, celebrate the small wins, and remember: accidents aren’t failures, they’re just part of the training process.
Before you know it, your puppy will be house-trained and you’ll both be enjoying a cleaner, stress-free home.
If you are still struggling and need more assistance with potty training your puppy, contact us for help.