Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful experience, but one of the first real challenges is learning how to potty train a puppy. The time it takes can vary depending on your pup’s age, breed, and how consistent you are with training. In this article, we will walk you through what to expect and how to make toilet training as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How Long Does It Usually Take?
Most puppies can be fully toilet-trained by 4 months of age, but some might take longer without training. The earlier you start, the better. Younger puppies require more assistance because they haven’t yet developed full control over their bladder and bowel movements.
Here’s a general guide:
- 8–10 weeks old: Start introducing toilet habits. Accidents will be rare if you follow the proper training tips and schedule we teach. 2 accidents per week or less is not uncommon for puppies this age who have gone through our Perfect Puppy program
- 10–12 weeks: You should notice significant improvement, but consistency is key.
- 3–6 months: Most puppies should be completely accident free at this age with proper training and follow through at home.
- 6–12 months: By this stage, your puppy should be fully toilet-trained, but occasional accidents may still occur. Remember there is a good time to reflect and make adjustments if your puppy has any accidents in this age range. Unless there is an underlying medical condition, your pup should be accident free.
What Affects How Fast Your Puppy Learns?
Not every puppy is the same. Here are some factors that can affect the duration.
1. Age
Very young puppies (under 12 weeks) need to go to the toilet every 1 to 3 hours. As they grow, they can hold it for longer.
2. Breed
Smaller breeds tend to have smaller bladders, so they may require more frequent toilet breaks than larger breeds. Some breeds also pick up new habits quicker than others.
3. Consistency
The biggest factor in success is consistency. The more you stick to a routine, the faster your puppy will learn.
4. Supervision
If your puppy is left alone for long periods, they’ll likely have more accidents. The more you watch them, the quicker you can catch signs they need to go.
5. Your Routine
A regular feeding and toilet schedule helps your puppy understand what’s expected. Without a set routine, training can take much longer.
How to Toilet Train a Puppy – Step by Step
Toilet training doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how to do it the right way.
1. Set a Routine
Take your puppy out:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals
- After naps
- After playtime
- Before bedtime
Ideally, every 1 to 2 hours, especially when they’re still very young.
2. Pick a Toilet Spot
Always take them to the same spot in the yard or outside. The familiar smell will help them move faster and associate the place with the proper behavior.
3. Use a Cue Word
Choose a simple phrase like “go potty” when they start to go. Over time, they’ll associate the word with the action.
4. Praise Immediately
As soon as your puppy finishes, give them a calm “Good dog!” Positive feedback right after they go is essential.
5. Watch for Signs
Your puppy will show signs when they need to go. Look out for:
- Sniffing the ground
- Walking in circles
- Whining
- Going to the door
As soon as you notice these, take them outside straight away.
What to Do If They Have an Accident
Accidents will happen – it’s part of the process. Here’s how to handle it.
- Don’t punish or yell: This can confuse or scare your puppy. They may start hiding when they need to go.
- Clean it properly: Use a pet-safe cleaner that removes odours. If they can still smell it, they may return.
- Check your timing: If your puppy had an accident, ask yourself if you missed one of their usual toilet times.
Common Mistakes That Slow Things Down
Even with good intentions, some things can delay training. Try to avoid the following.
- Letting them roam the house too early: Keep them in a smaller area or use baby gates until they’re more reliable.
- Skipping toilet breaks: Don’t assume they’re fine just because they went recently.
- Using the wrong cleaner: Regular cleaners often fail to remove pet odors effectively.
- Punishing after the fact: Puppies live in the moment. If you punish them later, they won’t know why.
Crate Training Can Help
If used correctly, a crate can be an excellent tool for toilet training. Dogs naturally avoid going where they sleep, so a crate can teach them to hold it until they’re let out.
- Make sure the crate is just big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down – not too roomy.
- Don’t leave your puppy in the crate too long. They still need regular toilet breaks.
- Always take them straight outside when you let them out.
When to Get Help
If your puppy is older than 6 months and still having regular accidents, or seems to be regressing after doing well, it might be time to talk to a trainer or veterinarian. Sometimes medical issues or anxiety can play a role.
Conclusion
Toilet training takes time, patience, and consistency. On average, it can take a few weeks, but you can help your puppy learn faster by setting a routine, watching for signs, and rewarding good behaviour. Just remember, every puppy is different and learns at their own pace. Stay positive, keep up the training, and your pup will get there.
If you need extra support or want expert help with puppy toilet training, Train Walk Poop is here to help. We offer professional puppy training programs that make house training easier and less stressful for both you and your dog. Contact us today at 801-613-1364 to learn more or to book your first session.
