They say, “With a cute pooch comes great responsibility.”
Having a little puppy at home’s all fun and joy…
Until they decide to make your house their toilet.
Now, if you’re a first-time parent, don’t worry.
I gathered simple tips on how to potty train a dog at home.
Keep reading to find out:
- The right age to house train a puppy.
- 5 must-know common potty training mistakes.
- 10 easy steps to toilet train your dog within 7 days.
- 13 things to keep in mind while potty training your dog.
- 7 ultimate tips you can try if things don’t go as planned.
- And a lot more…
What is toilet training?
Toilet training is teaching your dog to pee and poop in the right place. This also helps them learn to control their bladder and bowels well. Which then reduces accidents at home.
7 reasons why toilet training is important
You should train your puppy how and where to do their business to:
- Teach them good potty habits.
- Make them pee/poop on command.
- Improve your bond and communication.
- Prevent accidents inside and outside the house.
- Learn about their body language and toilet patterns.
- Maintain hygiene and cleanliness (of your dog and your place).
- Help them hold their bladder and bowels when outside the toilet spot.
Now, before you start, here are some rookie mistakes you should know.
So you can avoid doing them during your actual lessons.
5 common potty training mistakes
#1: Declaring victory too soon
While training, it feels good seeing your puppy obey you.
Especially if they had already peed and pooped in their toilet spot a few times.
And they often listen to what you say.
But if it has only been 2 or 3 days of potty training…
Don’t be too relaxed yet.
Even if your puppy has been obedient so far…
Never give them a free run of the house while you’re gone. As you’ll likely come home with a big mess.
Which prompts you to start over again.
This is a common mistake of fur parents during toilet training.
So I’m reminding you to stick with your rules and schedule.
Keep potty training your puppy for at least 7 days. Then afterward, slowly give them a bigger space inside to roam around.
Note: Most dogs get fully housebroken after 4-6 months. So, continue with training even after a week. As dogs learn through repetition.
#2: Having off-leash toilet trips
Although you have a fenced yard or a behaved puppy…
Always put them on a leash during toilet trips.
This allows you to control them better while training.
For example, you can guide them to their right spot. Or quickly stop them from roaming around. And make them focus on their goal – which is to go potty.
Dogs get distracted easily. So it won’t help if you let them run around freely.
#3: Training big breeds on potty pads/litter boxes
This method’s not for all dogs.
Yes, it’s convenient as you don’t have to bring your pooch outside every time.
But if you have a medium to large-sized breed puppy…
Teaching them to use a pee pad or litter box will be useless. And it’ll also lengthen potty training.
Now, why’s that?
Soon, your tiny puppy will be a big adult Fido.
So those thin pads and small litter boxes won’t be enough to take all their waste.
Also, once you teach a dog to go potty on a particular surface…
They may refuse to go on or use a different one. Take grass, for example
And this will make future toilet training hard for you.
#4: Using punishments
Puppies won’t learn to go potty in a specific place overnight.
Thus, toilet training will take up most of your time. And it can even empty your bag of patience.
Especially if you only see accidents and not results.
I know this would be tiring and stressful for you.
But even if this is the situation…
Stay calm and avoid punishing your puppy. Whether verbally or physically.
If you punish them, you won’t have a potty-trained Fido.
In the end, you’ll only have a pooch who’s afraid to make a mess in front of you.
I’ll talk about this later on. So stay tuned. 🙂
#5: Wrong timing
Dogs learn by association.
So you have to be extra careful of timing. Or else your puppy won’t make the right connections.
For instance, you must take your dog to their toilet spot as soon as they assume a squatting position. As it means they’re about to take a dump.
And then wait for them to do their business.
But if you do this after the mess has already been made…
Your puppy won’t associate pooping with going outside.
Also, to reinforce good behavior…
You must reward your dog.
However, if you do it a few seconds late…
Your puppy may associate the reward with a different action. Say sniffing or scratching the ground.
As these are the things dogs usually do after peeing or pooping.
When should you start toilet training your puppy?
You can start toilet training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. But at this age, they need constant supervision from you as they can’t hold their bladder and bowels well yet.
“At what age can dogs control their pee and poop?”
PetMD says puppies usually get better at holding their bladder at around 4-6 months old. And the same also applies to their bowels.
So Fidos below this age could only control their pee and poop for a short period.
And here’s the general rule of thumb:
Add 1 to your puppy’s age in months. Then you’ll get an estimate of their bladder and bowel capacity in hours.
For example:
- 1-month-old: 1-2 hours.
- 2-month-old: 2-3 hours.
- 3-month-old: 3-4 hours.
Learn more: How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Poop? 10 Quick Facts
What you need to potty train your puppy
- Leash.
- Collar/harness.
- Rewards (e.g., treats, toys).
- Cleaning tools (e.g., rubber gloves, surface cleaners, paper towels, dog poop scooper).
But aside from material things…
You also need a lot of these in your training bag:
- Time.
- Patience.
- Attention.
- Consistency.
Now, if you’re ready and equipped with the right tools…
Let’s dive right into the meaty part.
10 steps to toilet train your puppy in 7 days
#1: Pick an ideal toilet spot
First, you’ll need an area to bring your puppy when nature calls.
Ideally, the spot should be outside – in your yard.
And to successfully train them, the place must be:
- Accessible.
- Far from high-traffic areas.
- Big enough for your puppy’s size.
- Away from noise and distractions.
- A different area where other animals pee/poop.
However, since dogs have preferences too…
Your puppy may also select their own spot
So recall if they peed or pooped many times in a specific part of your yard.
If your pooch has done it before, they might like that area.
Therefore, if it fits the conditions above…
You can make it their toilet spot.
Then while training, see if your puppy likes their new restroom.
“Help! My dog doesn’t want to do their business outside.”
In some cases, a puppy might not want to go to the toilet due to fear.
Some common reasons why they’re scared all of a sudden are:
- External noises.
- Other animals around.
- Presence of strangers.
Thus, avoid choosing a spot near a busy street. Or an ongoing construction.
But if you recently adopted your fur baby…
It might also be due to a lack of trust in you and their new home.
Or, they had poor potty training before.
For the former reason, never force your puppy to interact with you.
Instead, earn their trust by doing the following:
- Respecting their space.
- Providing them with their needs.
- Being consistent with their routine.
Now, this might take a while.
But with patience, your puppy will soon gain confidence and come to you on their own.
In addition to this…
Vets say puppies also undergo a ‘fear period.’
Typically, it occurs at 8 weeks old.
At this age, puppies are more prone to developing fears than usual.
Thus, you must socialize them well to prevent behavioral issues in the future.
Say exposing them to different people and animals at an early age. So they won’t grow up with a lack of social skills and fear of strangers.
Now, if it’s the latter…
It’ll take a lot of time and effort to fix poor potty habits.
In fact, you may need to go back to square 1.
But don’t fret. To start anew, just follow these 10 simple steps. And then read the tips I’ll share later on. 🙂
“What to do if an outdoor toilet spot isn’t possible?”
If you can’t take your puppy outside, you may consider using a:
Put either of these on your balcony. And then make it your Fido’s potty area.
But take note of the following:
- Some dogs tend to dig or eat their poop.
- This is only recommended for toy breeds.
- Most male Fidos lift their leg while peeing so they may spray urine on your walls.
And that’s why you rarely see dogs using litter boxes.
Again, this would be impractical if your small puppy soon grows into a big furry adult. As their body and waste won’t fit into the pad or box.
Also, if you’re training your pooch to go potty outside eventually…
Having pee pads or a litter box in your house will confuse them.
So this method’s only recommended for certain situations, such as:
- Having harsh cold weather outside.
- Being busy with work most of the day.
- Living in an apartment without easy access to the outdoors.
#2: Create a potty schedule
Every training must start with a plan.
Also, dogs do well with a routine as it gives structure to their lives.
So to housebreak your puppy within a week…
The next thing to do is create a potty schedule for them.
What to do?
As I said earlier, young puppies can’t hold their pee and poop well.
Therefore, they need frequent toilet breaks.
“How does having a routine help?”
If your pooch does the same thing at the same time every day…
Their mind and body will get used to it.
Also, they’ll learn that aside from having a specific period to eat and play…
There’s a time for potty too.
Plus, this can also help them feel safe and trust you more.
Therefore, consider your Fido’s toilet habits.
Make a potty schedule. And then write them down.
“So when should I take out my puppy?”
After waking up in the morning
This should be the 1st thing on their potty schedule.
While sleeping, your Fido’s digesting their last meal.
So they’ve been holding their pee and poop all night.
Therefore, as soon as your puppy wakes up…
Walk and take them to their toilet spot.
It’s normal for dogs to go potty before eating breakfast.
This is also the same case for most humans. As one survey shows that 61% of people do a number 2 as soon as they get up in the morning.
Note: But before doing so, ensure your Fido’s fully vaccinated. They may get diseases outside. Like the deadly ‘parvovirus’ that causes bloody diarrhea. As well as ‘canine distemper.’
The latter’s a serious condition that attacks a dog’s:
- Brain.
- Lungs.
- Stomach.
And this is why vets usually give puppies their 1st set of shots as soon as 6-8 weeks old.
As their fragile body needs immediate protection from illnesses.
Every 1-2 hours
Next, take your puppy to their spot every hour while they’re awake.
This helps prevent accidents inside your home.
Then as they age, slowly increase the gap between the breaks. Say make it 2 hours or more.
Note: For smaller dogs, you can start at an interval of 30 minutes instead.
After meals
Like you, your pooch may also get nature calls after eating or drinking.
So once your Fido’s done with meals, wait for 10-20 minutes.
And then bring them to the toilet at once.
Warning: Walking your dog can help them do their business faster. But never do this right after eating to avoid gas and pain in the tummy.
If your puppy’s still small, carry them to their spot instead. And wait for at least 1-2 hours before allowing them to play or exercise.
After naps and playtime
Once your puppy wakes up from a short nap…
They may also have the urge to pee or poop.
Also, did you know that exercising helps in digestion?
Vets say that walking, for instance, is effective in this.
So your pooch will need a toilet break after or between physical activities.
Before bedtime
Lastly, if you start your puppy’s day with a trip to the toilet…
You’ll also end it in the same way.
So after your dog eats dinner:
- Wait for at least 10-20 minutes.
- Bring them to their restroom spot.
If 1-2 hours have passed after the meal:
- Take your puppy out for a 10-minute stroll.
- Lead them to the toilet again.
Night walks won’t only urge dogs to do their business before bedtime.
It’ll also burn excess energy, which calms restless and hyper Fidos at night.
Thus, this can help them sleep better too.
Note: Remember to bring a flashlight with you. Also, get a reflective harness for your puppy to keep them safe in the dark.
Now, while making the schedule, don’t forget that it should fit your lifestyle too.
Also, potty activity varies per dog.
So to ensure that the routine suits your Fido’s toilet habits…
Make a potty pattern chart
While training, monitor your puppy’s daily toilet activities.
Write down important patterns, such as:
- The usual length it takes them to potty.
- Time they usually wake up to do their business.
- Whether they pee or poop 1st thing in the morning.
- If they wake up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet.
- The number of times they had an accident inside the house.
Doing this will help you understand your puppy’s potty patterns. And adjust their schedule accordingly to prevent accidents.
Now that you know your Fido’s habits and dogs’ in general…
You can create a toilet routine for them.
Here’s a reference if you’re wondering what it’ll look like:
Example of a potty schedule for a 5-month-old puppy
| Time | Activity |
| 5:00 am | Walking your puppy; taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 6:30 am | Breakfast (1st meal) |
| 7:00 am | Taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 11:00 am | 2nd meal |
| 11:20 am | Taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 12:00 pm | Walking your puppy |
| 2:00 pm | 3rd meal |
| 2:20 pm | Taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 3:30 pm | Playtime |
| 4:30 pm | Taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner (Last meal) |
| 6:20 pm | Taking them to their toilet spot. |
| 7:30 pm | Walking or playing with your puppy. |
| 9:00 pm | Bedtime |
| *Bring out your puppy once every 1-2 hours until they’re housetrained. |
Note: While you’re at it, check the condition of your dog’s waste. See if their pee or poop has an unusual:
- Consistency.
- Odor (e.g., ammonia).
- Color (e.g., orange poop).
Don’t hesitate to ask your vet if you notice these changes.
#3: Choose a potty cue
Believe it or not. Our furry friends can also do their business on command.
They’ve been living with humans for around 30,000 years.
So they learned how to understand our language. And they do it by observing our speech and actions, a study says.
Thus, with constant training…
Your puppy can link a word to potty as well.
What to do?
Pick a cue word for going to the toilet.
Some of the commonly-used terms are the following:
- “Potty.”
- “Toilet.”
- “Empty.”
- “Go potty.”
- “Hurry up.”
- “Bathroom.”
But you can be creative as well. And say “Do your job” or “Get busy.”
Also, to avoid confusion, you may give different names for pee and poop too.
For example:
- “Poo poos.”
- “Wee wees.”
- “Go pee/poop.”
However, if you take your Fido outside…
They’re more likely to pee right away than to eliminate.
Thus, connecting the action to the cue for poop will be challenging.
Most dogs will never do number 2 unless you walk them for at least 10 minutes.
So, have a short stroll first. And then find the right time to say the cue.
Other things to consider:
- The shorter, the better.
- Ensure they’re only 2-3 syllables long.
- For better results, you may assign a word your puppy doesn’t normally hear daily. Say “Be quick” or “Get busy.”
“What are the benefits of having a potty cue?”
Having a command for toilet breaks will speed things up.
This is helpful if you’re traveling and you need to make your puppy do their thing quickly.
As well as if you have a Fido who gets easily distracted outside.
Or, if you’re taking your pooch out on a freezing night. But they can’t seem to go potty right away.
Fun fact: Research found that an average dog can learn about 100 words. But some Border Collies may even go beyond it. As one pooch named ‘Chaser’ mastered 1,022 object names.
#4: Introduce your puppy to their ‘toilet’
Now that you have a potty spot, cue, and schedule to follow…
The next step’s to familiarize your puppy with their restroom.
What to do?
- Put your puppy on a leash. (Do this whether their toilet’s inside or outside).
- Always take them to the spot 1st thing in the morning.
- Let them sniff the area.
- Repeat this after every meal and before bedtime.
And then…
#5 : Restrict your puppy’s space
Your Fido will pee and poop everywhere because they’re free to roam around.
They have a big space they can use.
Plus, you haven’t properly set the rules yet.
So they might think anywhere’s fine.
Thus, to help prevent them from having accidents at home…
Give your dog a small space in the meantime.
What to do?
You can limit their area by:
- Putting them in a crate.
- Installing baby gates or a dog pen.
The logic here’s that most of our furry pals don’t like to soil the areas where they sleep or eat.
Although some Fidos may do it if they got used to it or have no choice.
Say if they’re confined all day. Or they’re crammed in a crate for years.
So, to keep your puppy dry inside the crate or pen…
Make the area as comfy as possible.
Place soft bedding inside. Put their toys, food, and water.
Then if your puppy shows potty signs, take them to the toilet asap.
This gives them a hint that they must go potty outside their place. And it’s only a zone for rest and fun.
How to train a puppy to use the crate?
Step #1: Pick one that suits their size
It must have enough space for your dog to do these things comfortably:
- Lying down.
- Standing up.
- Turning around.
Also, their bed and bowls should still fit in there.
However, it shouldn’t be too big that your puppy can use a spot as a toilet.
Note: If you see a bigger crate with a divider, go with it. In the meantime, you can adjust it to a smaller size. But you’d still be able to use it as your puppy grows up.
Step #2: Lure them inside
Before crate training your dog…
Remember that you shouldn’t use it as a punishment.
So avoid crating your puppy when they do something naughty. Or right after scolding them.
This makes them hate the crate. Which will only make potty training harder for you.
Instead, keep every experience positive for your pooch.
- Lure them in the crate with their favorite treats or toys.
- Wait patiently.
- Praise your dog if they go inside it.
- Offer them more pieces of treats while they’re in the crate.
- Play with them shortly.
This gives them the idea that crate means fun. And there’s nothing to be scared of.
If you want to know how to do this in person, watch the short clip below:
Note: Go a step backward if you’re going too fast. And if your puppy seems uncomfortable around the crate.
Now, you may also wonder…
“What do I do if my puppy does their business inside the crate?”
It might be because your dog stays so long inside.
Yes, crating will help prevent accidents inside the house. And it’ll also make potty training go smoothly.
But this won’t work if you always leave your Fido inside for a long time.
“How long should a dog stay in the crate?”
For most puppies, the maximum limit’s 5 hours.
But if your pooch’s below 6 months old, crate time must only be 3-4 hours at most.
On the other hand…
Adult Fidos can stay as long as 6-8 hours.
However, this being said, this shouldn’t be their daily setup. As dogs get lonely and bored too.
Note: Crating’s useful if you need to leave your puppy alone at home for a while. Or when you have to do a quick errand. And couldn’t keep an eye on them to prevent accidents.
#6: Carry out the potty routine
Once your puppy’s restricted and familiar with their toilet spot…
Take them to the area whenever nature calls.
Also, grab a bag of treats. (I’ll discuss this in step #8.)
Now, you don’t have to be a fortune-teller to guess when it happens.
Simply look at their potty schedule. And give your Fido a toilet break after:
- Naps.
- Playtime.
- Every meal.
- Doing a physical activity.
- Waking up in the morning.
Also, you must give your puppy toilet breaks every 1-2 hours as well.
So, although it may look easy…
Potty training will take up most of your time.
And if you’re busy, skipping (even once) won’t be an option. As it can get you back to step 1.
So, if you’re working or running an errand…
Figure out a way to complete your pooch’s routine.
For instance, you may take your fur baby with you to work.
You can also ask a friend nearby to walk your pooch. Or, get a trusted dog walker to do the job while you’re away.
Next, after studying their potty patterns…
You can adjust their schedule to fit their toilet habits.
But besides this…
#7: Spot the ‘I-need-to-go-potty’ signs
To prevent further accidents at home while training…
You must take your puppy to the toilet as fast as possible.
However, they can’t tell you directly when they need to go.
But luckily, it shows in their body language. So pay close attention to their gestures.
“What do dogs do before they pee/poop?”
- Barking.
- Circling.
- Squatting.
- Restlessness.
- Sniffing around.
- Looking at their rear end.
- Scratching the door/dog gate/crate.
If you notice some of these signs:
- Let your puppy out if they’re confined in a crate or pen.
- Put them on a leash.
- Carry them to the toilet spot.
- Wait for them to pee or poop.
Once your Fido goes potty…