Dogs
Mar 7, 2025
So, you’ve just brought home a wriggly little ball of fluff — congratulations!
Now comes the big question every new puppy parent asks: "How do I get this pup to stop peeing in the house? "
If you’re feeling a bit lost, stressed, or just plain tired of mopping up mystery puddles, you’re not alone. Potty training is one of the first big challenges for new pet owners, and let’s be honest, it can be messy, confusing, and frustrating.
With a bit of consistency, patience, and the right steps, your puppy can be housetrained — and sooner than you might think.
This guide is packed with simple, real-world tips that work from someone who’s been there (and has the carpet stains to prove it).
Let’s walk through it together and get your pup on the right track from the start.
1. Establish a Routine That Teaches Your Puppy When to Go
The best way to potty train your puppy is by putting them on a consistent daily routine.
Puppies learn best when things happen at the same time every day. That means regular times for eating, playing, sleeping — and, of course, going to the toilet. A set routine helps your puppy’s body and brain learn when it’s time to go potty, which makes accidents less likely.
Here is a sample routine for when to take your puppy out:
First thing in the morning
After every meal or drink
After naps
After playtime
Right before bed
You may feel like you’re going outside every hour — and honestly, at first, you probably will be. But that’s completely normal. Puppies have tiny bladders, and they’re still learning. The more often you take them out, the more chances they have to get it right.
2. Use Puppy Crates as Your Potty Training Tool
Crate training helps teach your puppy to hold their bladder and avoid accidents indoors.
Dogs are naturally clean animals. They don’t like to wee or poo where they sleep, so when you use a crate that fits just right — not too big, not too small — it encourages your puppy to wait until they’re let outside. This is why crates are such a useful tool during potty training.
The crate should feel like a safe, cosy den. It’s a place for your puppy to rest, relax, and feel secure. Make the crate inviting by adding soft bedding and a favourite toy, and always give plenty of praise when your puppy goes in calmly.
To start, keep your puppy in the crate for short periods of time and always take them straight outside as soon as you let them out. This teaches your puppy that leaving the crate means it's time to go potty.
Be sure not to leave your puppy in the crate too long, especially while they’re still very young. A good guide is one hour for every month of age — so a 2-month-old puppy can hold their wee or poo in for about two hours, tops.
3. Feed on a Schedule to Make Bathroom Habits Predictable
Feeding your puppy at the same times every day helps their toilet habits become more regular and easier to manage.
Puppies fed at random times often need to wee or poo randomly too, which can make potty training feel like a guessing game. But with a consistent diet plan and regular meal times, your puppy’s digestion becomes more predictable — and so do their toilet trips.
Start by feeding your puppy two to three times a day, depending on their age and your vet’s recommendations. Try to stick to the same times: morning, midday, and evening. After each meal, give your puppy around 15 to 30 minutes, and then take them outside to their potty spot.
Also, keep an eye on water intake. Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh water during the day, but we suggest you pick up the water bowl about two to three hours before bedtime. That way, you reduce the risk of them needing to go potty in the middle of the night, and everyone can sleep soundly without interruption.
4. Pick a Dedicated Potty Spot So Your Puppy Knows Where to Go
One of the best potty training techniques for puppies is to take them to the same toilet spot.
Puppies learn by repetition. When you take them to the same place each time, they begin to understand, “This is where I go to the toilet.” Over time, just walking to that spot can trigger the urge to go.
Choose a quiet area in your garden or yard. You can also take them to a park or use potty training pads for dogs if you live in a flat. Lead them to the same spot, and keep distractions minimal until your puppy has relieved themselves.
Use a simple cue word for potty like “Toilet” or “Go wee”, and say it gently while they’re doing their business. This helps your puppy associate the word with the action. Later on, this cue can come in handy when you're in new places or need to go quickly.
Once your puppy finishes, praise them right away and give them a small treat. It’s all about positive reinforcement–showing them they’ve made the right choice.
5. Supervise Closely to Prevent Accidents Before They Happen
Most accidents happen when no one’s looking. Puppies can’t hold it for long, and they often give small signs before they go — sniffing, circling, whining, or suddenly wandering off. If you notice those behaviours, take them out right away to prevent messy accidents.
Keep your puppy in the same room you’re in whenever possible. You can use a playpen, baby gate, or even a leash clipped to your belt to keep them nearby. It may feel like a lot of effort now, but this stage won’t last forever.
If you can’t watch them, it’s okay to use the crate or a safe, puppy-proofed space for a short time. That way, they won’t sneak off and have an accident without you knowing.
6. Use Potty Training Pads Only When Necessary
Only use potty training pads for dogs or indoor toilet options if you truly can’t take your puppy outside often enough.
Potty training pads can be useful in some situations, like high-rise living, extreme weather, or if you’re away from home for long hours. However, they can also make potty training take longer. This is because they teach your puppy that it’s okay to wee indoors, even if it’s in a set spot.
If you do need to use potty training pads for dogs, try to keep them in one place only and treat that spot like you would an outdoor toilet area. Over time, you can move the pad closer to the door, then eventually outside, to help transition your puppy to outdoor toileting.
Keep in mind that some puppies might get confused between potty training pads and other soft surfaces like rugs or towels. So, use them carefully and only when needed — and always praise your puppy when they use the pad correctly.
7. Reward Every Successful Potty Trip With Praise and Treats
Always reward your puppy right after they we or poo in the right spot — it’s one of the most important parts of potty training.
Puppies don’t naturally know what’s right or wrong. But when they go to the toilet outside, and you cheer them on with kind words, a happy voice, or a small treat, they start to understand.
The key is to reward them right after they finish — not once you’re back inside. Puppies live in the moment, and a delayed treat might just confuse them. Stand calmly nearby, and once they’re done, give your praise and reward straight away.
Use small treats they can eat quickly, or just use your voice and give them a gentle pat. It doesn’t need to be a big celebration every time, but a little encouragement goes a long way.
Over time, they’ll be eager to go to the right place — not just because they’re learning but because it makes you happy, too.
8. Manage Accidents Calmly Without Punishment
It’s normal to feel frustrated when your puppy makes a mess, especially if you thought they were starting to understand. But shouting or scolding doesn’t teach them what to do — it just makes them scared or confused. In some cases, it can even make them try to hide where they go next time.
If you catch your puppy in the act, gently interrupt them with a soft “ah-ah” or “no,” then calmly take them outside to their toilet spot. If they finish there, praise them. If not, don’t worry — just try again next time.
Always clean up accidents thoroughly using a cleaner made for pet stains. This helps remove any smell that might encourage your puppy to go in the same spot again.
Remember, accidents are part of the learning process. The more calmly you handle them, the more confident your puppy will feel.
9. Know When to Consult a Vet or Trainer for Extra Help
If your puppy is still having frequent accidents, even with consistent training, it might be time to get some expert help.
Sometimes, potty training troubles are caused by medical issues like urinary tract infections or digestive problems. If your puppy seems to be going far more often than normal, is struggling to hold it, or suddenly starts having more accidents, check in with your vet to rule out any health concerns.
If your puppy gets the all-clear, but you’re still finding it hard, a certified dog trainer or behaviourist can offer personalised advice. We’ll help you spot patterns, improve your routine, and support your potty training efforts.
There’s no shame in asking for help — puppies are all different, and some just take a little longer or need a slightly different approach.
10. Be Consistent and Patient—Potty Training Takes Time
Some puppies pick it up quickly, while others need a few weeks (or more) to really get it. That’s perfectly normal. The most important thing you can do is keep showing up, using the same routine, cues, and rewards day after day.
Avoid changing too much at once, and don’t give your puppy too much freedom too early. Stick with the steps that are working, and trust the process.
Celebrate the small wins — like one full day without an accident. Also, try not to let setbacks get you down. With time, your puppy will understand what’s expected, and those early days of cleaning up messes will be behind you.
You’re not alone in this, and you’re doing better than you think. Keep going — your patience will pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potty Training Dogs
1. How long does it take to fully potty-train a puppy?
Most puppies are potty trained between 4 to 6 months, but some may take up to a year. It depends on their age, breed, routine, and how consistent the training is.
2. What is the 10-minute rule for potty-training?
The 10-minute rule means you take your puppy outside 10 minutes after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up. These are the times they’re most likely to need to go.
3. What does the puppy 1/2 rule mean for potty training?
The 1/2 rule suggests that a puppy can hold its bladder for about half its age in months. So a 2-month-old pup may only manage 1 hour before needing a toilet break.
4. What’s a good daily toilet schedule for dogs?
A typical schedule includes toilet breaks: first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps or play, and before bed. Young puppies may also need to go every 1–2 hours during the day.
5. Which dog breeds are hardest to potty-train?
Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Pomeranians can be harder to potty-train. They often have smaller bladders and may need more frequent breaks and extra patience.
