So, you’ve brought home your brand-new puppy and everything is cute and exciting — maybe not so much the constant cleaning up of accidents! Be reassured: you’ll get there. The key to potty training is lots of positive reinforcement and patience. Here’s how.
What age can you start?
You can start as soon as you bring your puppy home, generally from 8 weeks old. And it’s never too late with an older puppy, so don’t be disheartened. Younger puppies often take a little longer simply because they’re less mature with smaller bladders — an 8-week-old can’t hold on as long.
How long does it take?
It depends! Some puppies get it within days to weeks; others take several months. All puppies are individuals, so don’t panic if yours takes longer than someone else’s. Stay patient and consistent.
Crates and puppy pads
- Crates create a safe den for resting and eating. Dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep, so a crate encourages them to hold on at naptime. If they vocalise or scratch to be let out to toilet, take them out and praise lots.
- Puppy pads let a dog toilet in a specific indoor spot — useful for high-rise apartments or long days out, though some owners skip them as they can confuse the “outside is best” message. To use them, cover most of the floor where your puppy hangs out, praise them for using the pads, then gradually reduce the area until just one spot remains.
Make a schedule
Puppies under 12 weeks need to go out very frequently — aim for every 1–2 hours. Certain moments reliably trigger the need, so take them out immediately after:
- First thing in the morning
- After a meal, after a drink
- After playing, after a nap
- When very excited (meeting a new person or dog)
- Last thing at night
When they toilet outside
Give lots of positive reinforcement! Wait until they’ve finished before rewarding (rewarding mid-stream distracts them and they may stop), but don’t wait too long either, so they link the reward with toileting outside.
Recognising the signs
Notice what your puppy does just before they go — sniffing, circling, or raising the tail. If you spot these indoors, quickly carry them outside to the right spot. As they learn, they may whine or scratch to be let out — praise that, take them out, and reward.
Positive vs negative reinforcement
Positive reinforcement — praise, pets, toys or treats — is the most effective method. Negative reinforcement (shouting, or the old myth of pushing their face in their mess) is outdated and ineffective: it doesn’t teach a lesson, it just teaches your puppy to fear you or to hide when toileting. Never do it.
Can I add a voice command?
Yes. While your puppy is going, say a clear command word at the same time. Repeat for a few weeks, then start saying it just before you think they’ll go. Reward when they do. This is handy for quick trips out or unfamiliar places.
Conclusion
Potty training can feel like a never-ending battle, but be patient — your puppy will make mistakes early on. As long as you positively reinforce good toileting every time, you’ll get there in the end.
🐾 The Meow Howl newsletter
Vet-backed pet tips, in your inbox
Join fellow dog & cat parents. Practical, vet-led advice and new tools — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
