How to Potty Train a Puppy

by Katherine Khoo September 25, 2025 5 min read

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting but let’s be honest, it also comes with some messy challenges. One of the biggest tasks on your list? Potty training. Teaching your puppy where and when to go to the bathroom takes time, patience, and consistency. The good news is, with the right approach, your puppy can learn good bathroom habits faster than you might think.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about potty training step by step, in simple terms, with tips you can start using today.

Why Potty Training Matters

Potty training isn’t just about keeping your floors clean. It’s about setting your puppy up for creating a routine that makes life easier for both of you. Puppies are naturally eager to please, but they don’t automatically know what’s expected. Without guidance, accidents are bound to happen. A clear, consistent potty training plan helps your pup understand the rules and builds their confidence along the way.

Step 1: Create a Solid Schedule

The first rule of potty training? Consistency. Puppies thrive on routine, and a predictable schedule makes it easier for them to understand when it’s time to go.

Take your puppy to the potty spot every 30 to 60 minutes when they’re very young.
Always bring them there after meals, naps, playtime, and right before bed.
Feed them at the same times each day - regular meals mean regular potty times.

Over time, your puppy will start anticipating these bathroom breaks and learn to “hold it” until then.

Step 2: Pick a Designated Potty Spot

Choose one specific spot; it can be an outside spot or a designated indoor pee tray lined with pad. Always bring your puppy to the designated potty spot. If necessary, use a leash for control and safety, especially in the early days.

Why this works: your puppy’s nose is their best guide. The scent from previous potty trips will encourage them “to go” in the same place again. This makes the process much faster and less confusing.

Step 3: Use a Cue Word

Here’s a little trick that makes life easier long term. As your puppy starts to go potty, say a simple phrase like “go potty”. Over time, they’ll connect those words with the action.

This helps later when you’re in a hurry, traveling, or at a new place. A quick verbal cue tells your dog exactly what you want them to do.

Step 4: Reward the Good

Potty training works best with positive reinforcement. That means rewarding your puppy every single time they get it right.

The key is timing: give praise, treats, or playtime immediately after they finish. Waiting until you’re back inside is too late. Puppies need the instant connection between action and reward.

Some owners keep a treat pouch near the door just for this purpose. That way, you’re always ready.

Step 5: Supervise and Limit Freedom

When indoors, don’t give your puppy the full run of the house right away. Too much freedom makes accidents more likely. Instead:

Use crates, baby gates or keep them in one room at a time.
Supervise them closely when they’re out and about. Prevent accidents by monitoring your puppy whenever she’s out on the loose in your home.

If you catch your puppy in the act indoors, interrupt gently with a clap or “oops!” and take them straight to the designated potty area, even mid-potty, if possible. Never yell or punish. Your goal is to guide, not scare. Your puppy’s bladder is small. She has limited ability to “hold it” and she has no idea that it’s not okay to eliminate in your living room.

Step 6: Expect Accidents

No matter how good your plan is, accidents will happen. Puppies are still learning, and mistakes are part of the process. The best thing you can do is stay calm.

Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner and then spray on the NaturVet No Go! House Breaking Aid For Cats & Dogs to remove all traces of scent. This will help discourage repeat markings.
Avoid punishment. Rubbing their nose in it or scolding only makes puppies confused and anxious. It doesn’t teach them what to do instead.

Think of accidents as little learning opportunities. Each one shows you where your puppy needs more guidance.

Bonus Tips for Faster Success

Watch Their Body Language

Puppies often give signals when they need to go. Sniffing the floor, circling, whining, or suddenly getting restless are all clues. Catching these early can save your rug.

Know Their Limits

A general rule of thumb: puppies can “hold it” about one hour per month of age. For example, a three-month-old puppy can usually last around three hours. Don’t push them beyond that. They’re not ready yet.

Nighttime Training

Expect to wake up at least once during the night for bathroom breaks in the early weeks. Keep these trips quiet and boring. Go straight to the designated area, potty, then back to bed. This helps your puppy learn nighttime is for sleeping, not playing.

Celebrate Progress

Keep track of how many days your puppy goes without accidents. Even small wins matter. Potty training can take several weeks (sometimes months), but each step forward is worth celebrating.

Common Potty Training Challenges

Even with the best plan, some bumps in the road are normal. Here are a few common problems and quick fixes:

Puppy pees right after coming inside: They may not have fully finished outside. Stay out a bit longer, or go to a quieter area with fewer distractions.
Puppy uses the crate as a bathroom: The crate may be too big. Use a divider to create a snug sleeping area. Puppies generally try to avoid soiling the place that they sleep on.
Regression: Sometimes puppies seem trained and then backslide. This usually happens during growth spurts or routine changes. Stick with the schedule and consistency. They’ll bounce back.

Above all, remember that potty training is a process. It has its ups and downs. Puppies aren’t born knowing the rules; they rely on us to show them patiently and consistently. The more you encourage and reward, the faster they’ll learn.

Here’s the truth: it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Don’t forget that every puppy is different. Some learn in just a few weeks, while others may take longer. Stay consistent, stay calm, and celebrate the progress along the way. Every successful potty trip is a win. Every accident is a chance to learn. With time, your little furball will get it and you’ll both enjoy a cleaner, happier home.