How to House Train a Puppy

Aw, potty training dogs—my favorite pastime. Not so much! But it's important. House training a puppy is teaching them a critical life skill they need to thrive as they grow up.

Last week, Kayla came by with her beagle puppy Charlotte (12W). Charlotte was a bundle of energy, tail wagging furiously, but Kayla’s face told another story. "She's having accidents everywhere." Kayla fumed. "How do I stop it?"

I smiled, understanding her frustration and reminding her, "dogs Charlotte's age don't have accidents. They just don't understand where to go."

"But I've shown her where to go," Kayla exclaimed with a mix of desperation and hope that maybe I could give her some pointers.

Here's how we helped Charlotte learn to potty like a big girl.

Why Is House Training Necessary

Puppies aren't born knowing where to potty. To them, their bed is a sacred zone for sleep and play with littermates. But anywhere else is fair game.

It's up to us to teach them that going behind the sofa and doing their business under the rose bush in the garden aren't the same thing.

Kayla had shown little Charlotte where to go. But right now, the big, wide world includes the living room, bedroom, office—and the backyard. And she's not making any distinction among them.

So, the point of house training is to show a puppy that this whole house is "your comfy dog bed", and just like they wouldn't want their bed soiled, you don't want yours soiled either.

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy

If you're very consistent and follow these tips for house training a puppy, you can teach them where to go in as little as 7-14 days. At this point they'll be fairly well-trained, but may have accidents if they have to wait more than 1-2 hours. They can't hold it like an adult dog can.

By 4-6 months, a house trained dog should never go in the house unless you leave them alone all day or they're developing dementia (later in life).

Potty Training for Puppies

You may need a combination of these potty training strategies for puppies depending on your work schedule, home setup, lifestyle, etc. I promise that I have tips that will work for you and your pup.

Strategy 1: Establish a Routine

Puppies are eager to learn how things work in their new world. But they need to see some consistency to start figuring things out. So, it's time to start a routine you can stick with, including:

Regular Meal Time

Get them as close to the same time as possible, in the same place, and somewhere other than the bed area. With a routine, a puppy like Charlotte starts to realize, "the whole house is where I eat and sleep. It's not a potty."

Regular Potty Breaks

Sorry to break it to you. But puppies need to go out every 1-2 hours during the day and maybe 1-2 times in the middle of the night if you stop giving them water a couple of hours before bedtime. Puppies have little bladders.

So, let's make it a routine:

  • First thing in the morning
  • After meals
  • After naps
  • Before bedtime
  • The middle of the night (if needed)
  • Every 1-2 hours during the day
  • Every 4-6 hours during your sleep hours if they're going in the house while you sleep.

That's around 8-12 potty breaks a day or more for some dogs. Kayla was surprised by that number.

Strategy 2A: Choose a Designated Potty Spot

Pick a specific location in your backyard as the "potty spot". Consistently going to the same location will make something click in the puppy's mind.

"This is where I go every time."

Each time you take them to the spot, say their name and "Go potty" in a cheery voice. Or use another command you're comfortable with using as they grow into an adult dog. Once this command is established, you'll use it to help them know where to go when you're at someone else's home.

After they go, praise them. Then, give them a tasty treat to reinforce the behavior positively.

Strategy 2B: Increase Distance

At first, Kayla walked Charlotte to the spot. But I encouraged her to slowly make distance so that eventually she could send Charlotte out to potty in her spot while Kayla stayed on the porch.

When she does this, she's strengthening Charlotte's confidence and increasing her independence while making it easier for Kayla to take her out even on a stormy day.

Strategy 3: Crating Training

Start crate training your puppy as soon as you bring them home (around 8-12 weeks) so you have this useful training tool at your disposal.

With the right presentation, you can turn a crate into your puppy's den with a comfy blanket and high value dog training treats inside.

Once crate trained, they will be hesitant to do their business in the crate because it's their den, so it can help them learn to hold their bladder longer. But also realize they have physiological limits. Don't leave them in there too long.

This gives you an option that keeps your floors clean when you have to leave them for 2-3 hours.

Strategy 4: A Puppy Room with Indoor Spot

Some new puppy parents opt to give their puppy a place they can go inside that does less damage than going on the bedroom carpet. If you don't work from home, where you have the luxury of taking potty breaks every 1-2 hours, this may be the best option for you.

Some people quarantine their dogs in the kitchen or bathroom with a puppy gate because these floors are easier to clean.

But I also recommend you train them to use an indoor spot in that area with puppy grass or a puppy pad, so they start learning they they shouldn't just go anywhere.

Strategy 5: Reward Good Behavior

Dogs learn through positive reinforcement. Keep high value treats on your person with a treat pouch. Reward quickly and consistently with high value dog treats, so your pup learns why you're rewarding them.

Timing is everything—reward them as they’re finishing up so they connect the reward to the behavior.

Strategy 6: Handle Accidents Calmly

Don't punish accidents. Remember: they usually can't help it or don't understand. So, punishment is cruel! And your puppy will become fearful when you want training to build trust indeed.

Clean up completely. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor, so your puppy isn’t tempted to go in the same spot again.

Strategy 7: Gradually Increase Freedom

As your puppy becomes more reliable, you can give them more freedom around the house—first while you're home and then while you're away.

Start with one room. Then, expand as they prove they can handle it.

Now, it's about time to add a dog bone chew session to their routine. Giving your older puppy marrow-filled dog bones 2-3 times a week can enhance their focus, eliminate boredom, stop destructive behavior, and make them easier to train while supporting dog health.

Puppy Training with Love and Dog Treats

Positive reinforcement training helped Kayla finally teach Charlotte where to go. Try it. It works. Just remember to give them high value treats to reinforce desired behaviors.

If you'd like to learn more about training a pup to behave and perform fun tricks, you'll want to check out this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.

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