Congratulations! You have a new member of the family! A new puppy can be a joyous, exciting, but also stressful time. Puppies need a significant amount of cuddles and attention. They also require a responsible dog owner that can teach them important habits. Potty training, or house training, is one of the most important skills a puppy will learn. The faster a puppy can be potty trained, the sooner you will be able to maintain a sanitary environment in your home. After all, who wants the unexpected frustration of walking into a bathroom accident on their rug? We provide all the information and tools to lead to successfully potty training your puppy, along with a step by step guide to potty training.
Supplies for Potty Training a Puppy
The process of potty training a puppy can end up a disaster if we do not give ourselves the right tools and support. Make sure you have everything you need to successfully potty train your puppy! Start with the highest rated basics to ensure the least amount of stress.
Dog collar or harness and dog leash
- Joytale 6ft Dog Leash
- Hands Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch
- Dog/Puppy Obedience and Agility Training Leash
Puppy treats
- Baby Blue Training Treats for Puppies
- Pupford Freeze Dried Dog Training Treats
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats
Dog crate (see our Outdoor Dog World post titled “Stylish & Sensible Small and Large Dog Crates” to get inspiration!)
Pet stain and odor remover
- Rocco & Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor
- Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
- OxiClean Carpet and Rug Cleaner for Pet Stains and Odor Remover
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy?
Potty training a puppy is a commitment of time and energy. While some dog owners use strategies that allow their puppy a slower approach to bathroom breaks, other owners choose to take a speedier route. In general, expect potty training to take one week to six months. Multiple factors will determine the speed of potty training, including your dog’s temperament and your consistency. However, the approach taken does change the length of time. Let’s take a look at a step by step guide for potty training a puppy.
How to Train a Puppy to Potty Outside
In the beginning stages of potty training, it is best to keep to a consistent schedule. A consistent schedule lets your puppy begin to understand the routine. Follow these simple steps!
Leash up your puppy and take them out every 30 minutes during potty training.
This may seem excessive, but puppies respond well to knowing they have access to the outdoors during the potty training process. This also gives them an opportunity to bathroom in the appropriate place. If they have to hold their urine for too long they will ultimately have an accident.
Wait outside for 5-10 minutes for them to go to the bathroom.
Give your puppy a chance to sniff around! They will possibly be triggered to bathroom in an appropriate place by smelling where other dogs have gone to the bathroom. If you go inside too soon, your puppy may not make the connection that going outside signals it is time to use the bathroom.
Decide on a word or phrase to signal it’s the right time and place for potty training.
Many owners use the phrase “Go potty” or “Potty” when your puppy is in the right spot to use the bathroom. Although your puppy will not understand this cue at first, over time they will create an association between the word and the act of toileting. After going to the bathroom, verbal rewards (“Good dog! Potty!”) and treats will solidify this learning!
Give your puppy a treat if they go!
But only if your puppy goes to the bathroom in the right place! Once your puppy is done with the bathroom, offer them a verbal reward (as mentioned above), and a treat. Rewards are an important part of this process. Carry a few small treats with you when you take out your puppy, just to be ready. If your puppy does not bathroom, do not give them a treat. We want your puppy to understand that going to the bathroom in a certain place is what gets them the good treats!
Free play outdoors after potty training break.
If you have time, give your puppy free play outdoors AFTER they potty. This will help teach them that as long as they bathroom in the right place, they will have free play time afterwards. We do not want a puppy to think the only time they go outside is for the bathroom! They may start to signal they need to go to the bathroom, but they just want outdoor time. Make sure to balance work and play!
Most Important Part of Potty Training a Puppy!
Remember, consistency is key. Your consistency will determine how quickly your puppy is trained. Although the temperament of your dog may impact the process, sooner or later a puppy will learn exactly what you expect of them if you are consistent with bathroom breaks and treating.
Potty Training a Puppy in an Apartment or House – What to Consider
Whether you are potty training in an apartment or house, you will need to designate a confined area for your puppy between bathroom breaks. This containment is to ensure the puppy does not have accidents in areas you wish to avoid a mess. Puppies are less likely to go to the bathroom in a space where they are confined (who wants to lie next to their own mess?!).
Outdoor Space for Potty Training and Breaks
Some people have outdoor space in their living area. It may seem like a good idea to let your puppy roam around and explore between potty breaks, but this actually may sabotage the potty training process. If they are always roaming outdoors in a yard, they will bathroom freely and never learn the association between verbal rewards/treats and toileting! Also, you will not be able to supervise them and understand their behavioral patterns or mannerisms related to needing a bathroom break. If you do not want to crate your dog, but you want to contain them between potty breaks, take a look at these adjustable pens you tailor to a desired size to give your puppy more space to move.
Crate Potty Training Puppies
Some people decide to use a crate to potty train their puppy. This process involves keeping your puppy in a crate overnight, and only taking them out at certain intervals. Although difficult to hear puppy cries, this crate training process teaches a dog to hold their urine or communicate to you when they need a bathroom break. During the day, your puppy can be crated between bathroom breaks, but there are some important things to consider.
Important Note about Crating Puppies During Potty Training
Crating your puppy or placing them in a pen between potty breaks is an important part of the potty training process. However, do not leave your puppy in a small crate or pen for more than a few hours during the day. Crating for long periods of time while your puppy is awake may cause them undue anxiety and increase their chances of having an accident indoors. Make sure to give your puppy outdoor time or free roaming time right after a potty break so your puppy gets plenty of exercise.
How to Train a Puppy Resources
If you would like to know more about the puppy training in general, we have compiled a list of helpful references to support you on your puppy training journey! Here’s to building a beautiful relationships with your new family member!
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