Bringing home a new puppy? Get ready for wagging tails, chewed-up slippers—and the wonderful world of potty training. Yep, before your pup becomes your dream dog, there’s a bit of work (and a lot of wipes) involved.
Most dog owners quickly learn that house training isn’t just about teaching your new friend where to pee—it’s about building trust, setting boundaries, and keeping your house from becoming a patchy grid of soiled areas. But between missed signals, excited accidents, and that one corner they always go back to, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. With the right mindset and a little patience, the house training process becomes a lot less messy.
Ready to teach your pup the rules of the house (without losing your mind or your carpet)? Let’s get into it.
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior and Timing
Before you start teaching your pup where to go potty, it helps to understand when and why they need to go in the first place. Potty training isn’t just about commands—it’s about timing, biology, and getting to know your dog’s rhythm.
Let’s talk timing. Most dogs, especially puppies, don’t have endless bladder control.
A simple rule of thumb? A puppy can typically “hold it” for about one hour per month of age. So if your pup is three months old, don’t wait longer than three hours between bathroom breaks—unless you enjoy scrubbing soiled areas and using up your stockpile of enzymatic cleaner.
Once you get the timing down, you’ll notice there’s a pattern.
Dogs usually need to go potty after sleeping, eating, or zooming around the house like it’s their personal racetrack. That means early morning? Grab the leash. After dinner? Head outside. After playtime? Yep—again.
But watching the clock isn’t enough. You’ll need to watch them. If your pup starts sniffing obsessively, circling one corner of the room, or whining out of the blue, don’t wait. These are their not-so-subtle signals that nature’s calling.
The more you respond to these cues, the quicker your dog will learn that going outside is the right move.
On average, dogs need to relieve themselves five to six times a day. That’s a lot of trips outside—but every successful one is a small win in the house training process.
You’re not just teaching rules—you’re building trust, routine, and a life with fewer stains and more treats.
5 Steps for Potty Training a Puppy or Dog
Potty training isn’t magic—it’s structure, patience, and a little bit of strategy. While your new puppy might not come with instructions, these five steps will help you create a system that makes house training feel a lot less chaotic.
Let’s start with the basics.
Step 1: Set a Fixed Feeding and Water Schedule
Think of your pup as a tiny, furry alarm clock. What goes in on schedule usually comes out on schedule too.
By feeding your puppy at the same time every day, you’re not just filling their belly—you’re setting the pace for their entire digestive system. This makes potty trips easier to predict and helps your dog learn when it's time to go outside.
It's one of the simplest ways to teach routine without saying a word.
Young pups especially benefit from having their meals broken into three smaller portions. Their bodies are still learning, and free feeding can make bowel control harder to manage. You’ll also want to be mindful about water—especially at night.
Limiting water intake before bedtime (without depriving them) can help reduce overnight accidents and make sleep less stressful for everyone.
A consistent schedule also sets the tone for the rest of the house training process.
When your dog knows when to eat, they’ll start to understand when to go potty—and that’s a win for both your floors and your sanity.
Step 2: Choose a Designated Potty Spot
Imagine trying to remember a new bathroom location every day—confusing, right? Your puppy feels the same way.
Establishing one consistent potty spot helps your pup make faster connections between the urge to go and the right place to do it. Whether you’re training outdoors or using indoor pads, sticking to the same spot teaches them that this is their go-to bathroom zone.
Dogs rely heavily on scent, and when they return to an area that already smells like their previous visit, it reinforces the behavior.
For indoor training, especially in apartments or during those early bladder-control days, puppy pads are your best friend. They offer a reliable target while your dog is still learning the routine and needing frequent bathroom breaks.
That’s where Pogi’s Training Pads come in. They’re eco-friendly, leak-proof, and designed with absorbent layers that hold up during long periods between changes. Plus, their earth-conscious materials make them a smarter choice for both your pup and the planet.
Unless there’s a major reason, try not to switch up your chosen potty area.
Consistency leads to confidence, and before long, your dog will walk over to their pad—or the door—without a reminder.
Step 3: Reward Good Behavior Immediately
You wouldn’t wait 10 minutes to applaud a toddler for using the potty—your pup deserves the same instant celebration.
The moment your dog finishes doing their business in the right spot, let them know they nailed it.
Whether it’s a treat, an enthusiastic “good job!” or a joyful scratch behind the ears, the key is to reward the behavior right away. Dogs don’t overthink things—if there’s even a short delay, they may not connect the praise to their potty success.
Keep a few treats in your pocket or near the door so you're not scrambling once they go.
If treats aren’t within reach, your voice can still work wonders. Even a warm, upbeat tone like “yes!” or “good boy!” lets your new dog know they did the right thing.
This small habit builds trust and teaches your pup that going potty in the right place equals something positive. Over time, that simple cause-and-effect helps shape a well-mannered dog who’s confident in their bathroom routine.
Step 4: Supervise and Confine Smartly
If your pup had their way, they’d explore every inch of the house—and possibly mark a few favorite corners along the way. That’s why smart supervision is just as important as praise and treats during potty training.
When you're home and actively watching, keep your dog within sight at all times. Tethering your pup to a leash indoors is a great way to keep them close, especially if they’re still figuring out the rules.
If they start to sniff, circle, or look like they’re about to go potty, you can catch the signal and head outside before there's an accident.
But what about those moments when life calls and you can’t watch them like a hawk?
That’s where crate training comes in. Think of the crate as your dog’s personal bedroom—a safe, den-like space they feel comfortable in.
Most dogs won’t pee where they sleep, which is why the right size crate matters. It should be cozy, not roomy—just enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down. Too much room, and your dog might decide it’s fine to poop in one corner and nap in the other.
As your dog shows progress, slowly expand their access to new areas of the house. These “freedom zones” are earned, not automatic. If they can keep one room clean, move on to the next.
Supervision and smart confinement aren't punishments—they're part of teaching your new friend how to live comfortably in their environment, without pee puddles or accidents in the hall.
Step 5: Handle Accidents Calmly
Even with your best efforts, accidents will happen. One minute your puppy is sniffing around innocently, and the next—you’re reaching for paper towels.
Welcome to the real-life side of potty training.
The important thing? Don’t take it personally.
Yelling or scolding won’t teach your pup anything helpful. In fact, it can create confusion and fear. Instead of linking the mess to the location, your dog might just learn to be afraid of going potty in front of you.
When you catch your pup mid-accident, gently interrupt with a cue like “outside” or “go potty,” then guide them to the right spot. If you missed the moment, skip the lecture and focus on cleanup. Be thorough—puppies will return to soiled areas if they still smell like pee or poop.
This is where an enzyme-based cleaner becomes your secret weapon. It removes odors at the source, not just masks them.
And for cleaning your dog post-accident or after a muddy bathroom break outside, Pogi’s Grooming Wipes are a must-have. They’re soft, eco-friendly, and perfect for cleaning paws, legs, or bellies without needing a full bath.
The occasional mistake is part of the house training process.
What matters most is that you stay calm, keep reinforcing the right habits, and remember—your pup is learning. Every accident is just another step toward success.
Transitioning from Pads to Outdoor Potty Training
So your pup has mastered the training pad—congrats! But unless you’re planning to keep pads forever, it’s time to level up and move the potty outdoors.
The ideal window to start this transition is around four to six months old, once your puppy has better bladder control and can go for longer periods without accidents.
Jumping too early can backfire, but waiting too long may make it harder to break the indoor habit.
Start small. Shift the pad a few feet at a time toward the door.
Once your pup is comfortably using it near the exit, place the pad right outside. Stick to the same timing and cues you’ve been using—like “go potty”—so your dog begins to connect the dots. Keep praise and treats flowing just like before.
If the change feels too sudden, don’t worry. Some pups need a little help making the leap from pad to grass.
A helpful trick? Gradually trim down the pad's size. Over time, your puppy will start using the ground more than the pad, until—finally—the pad disappears altogether.
And once you’re fully outside, don’t forget your cleanup essentials. Pogi’s compostable poop bags are a great choice—they’re strong, leak-proof, and environmentally friendly, so you can feel good about every walk.
A few setbacks are normal during the switch. Just stay consistent, stay patient, and before long, your dog will be doing their business outside like a pro.
Common Mistakes First-Time Pet Parents Make
Inconsistent Feeding and Potty Schedules
Even the most well-meaning dog owners can stumble in the early days of potty training. One of the biggest (and most avoidable) mistakes?
Skipping the schedule.
When your puppy eats at different times each day, their body has no idea when to expect the next potty break. That unpredictability turns the house training process into a guessing game—and more often than not, it’s your rug that pays the price.
The same goes for bathroom trips.
If you're inconsistent or forget to take your new puppy out after meals, naps, or play, you’re setting them up for confusion. Most puppies need to go within 15 to 30 minutes after eating. Delay too long, and you might catch them mid-squat behind the couch.
The fix? Treat feeding and potty time like clockwork. Set phone reminders if you have to. First thing in the morning, after meals, before bed—stick to a routine, and your pup will begin to learn it too.
Don’t forget to watch for those telltale signs: sniffing, circling, pacing, or suddenly going quiet in another room.
Delaying Praise or Using Inappropriate Reinforcement
Here’s something many first-time dog owners learn the hard way: your timing matters just as much as your treat stash.
It’s tempting to clap and cheer once you're back inside—but by then, your puppy has already moved on. Dogs live in the moment. If the reward doesn’t come immediately after they go potty, they might associate the praise with whatever they’re doing at that second… like digging up the flower bed or chewing your shoelace.
On the flip side, punishment doesn’t help either. Yelling or scolding after an accident may only teach your dog that going potty near you is scary—not that the location was wrong.
That fear can lead to sneaky behavior, like hiding to pee in hard-to-spot corners of the house.
The fix? Keep things simple.
As soon as your pup finishes doing their business in the right place, say something encouraging and offer a small treat. A quick “yes!” or “good dog!” said in a happy tone works wonders if treats aren’t within reach. The goal is to make that moment feel like a win, so your dog wants to repeat it again and again.
Consistency here helps your dog learn faster and trust you more—two things that make house training a lot more enjoyable for both of you.
Allowing Too Much Freedom Too Soon
It’s easy to assume your new puppy is ready to roam once they’ve had a few good days—but hold that thought (and that leash).
One of the most common slip-ups in house training is giving your pup free rein of the house before they’re fully reliable. While it feels like a sign of trust, it often turns into an invitation for quiet, unnoticed accidents behind couches, under tables, or in guest bedrooms you rarely check.
The problem? Dogs are creatures of habit. If your pup gets away with using the bathroom in a hidden spot once, they’re likely to go back to that same place again. Suddenly, one corner turns into their personal indoor potty—and you’re stuck trying to undo a habit that’s already formed.
To avoid that, give freedom in stages. Start small. Use baby gates to block off rooms or keep them leashed indoors so you can monitor their behavior.
Crate time is also helpful when you’re busy or stepping out for short periods—it keeps accidents contained and teaches your pup that the house isn’t a free-for-all.
Think of it this way: just like toddlers aren’t given the keys to the house, puppies need boundaries until they’ve truly earned that trust. It’s not about restricting—it’s about setting them up to succeed.
Improper Cleaning of Accidents
You’ve cleaned the spot. It looks clean. But if your dog keeps going back to that exact area like it’s their personal bathroom, there’s a good chance your cleaner is doing more harm than help.
One of the biggest under-the-radar mistakes pet parents make is using regular household cleaners after an accident. Many scented sprays and ammonia-based products don’t actually remove the scent—they just layer over it.
To your dog’s nose, that spot still smells like a perfectly acceptable place to pee.
The result? A cycle of repeat accidents in the same soiled areas, even when everything looks spotless to you.
The fix is simple: always reach for an enzymatic cleaner.
These are designed to break down the odor-causing proteins in pet messes, neutralizing the smell completely. No leftover scent, no confusing signals for your pup.
For quick surface wipes after muddy paws or minor messes, Pogi’s Grooming Wipes are a game-changer—gentle on your dog’s skin and tough on dirt. And when you’re dealing with solid accidents, Pogi’s Poop Bags offer an easy, eco-friendly way to dispose without the mess or guilt.
Skipping the Crate Training Phase
If the word “crate” makes you feel guilty, you’re not alone. Many new dog owners picture it as a punishment—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Crates, when introduced the right way, are not cages—they’re comfort zones. For your puppy, a crate becomes their own quiet space to relax, sleep, and feel secure.
It also plays a huge role in potty training. Because most dogs won’t go potty where they sleep, crate time helps teach bowel control and prevents free-roaming accidents when you’re not able to watch them closely.
Skipping this step often leads to puppies wandering unsupervised and sneaking off to eliminate in hidden corners. It only takes a few of these secret accidents to set your house training back by weeks.
Instead of avoiding the crate, make it a positive experience.
Toss in a soft bed, a few treats, or a favorite toy. Let your pup explore it on their own terms, without pressure. Over time, they’ll start to see it not as confinement, but as a cozy retreat.
And when they’re out of the crate?
Keep a close eye. If you see signs like circling or squatting, guide them straight to the potty spot. With consistency and care, crate training becomes a powerful tool in building a well-trained, confident dog.
Not Recognizing the Signs Early Enough
Sometimes, the biggest potty training mishaps come down to what you don’t notice.
Many first-time pet parents assume their pup will bark or make a grand announcement when nature calls. But dogs are often subtle communicators—especially in the early stages.
Circling a rug, sniffing the floor, suddenly going quiet in the next room—these are all signs that a bathroom break is on the horizon.
The problem? If you miss those cues, your puppy may take matters into their own paws—and you’ll be reaching for the enzymatic cleaner once again.
Avoiding preventable accidents starts with learning your dog’s potty language. Maybe they pace near the door. Maybe they glance at you and whine. Each dog is different, but the moment you recognize those early signals, your job becomes a lot easier.
Act quickly, guide them to their designated potty spot, and reinforce the win with a treat or a cheerful cue.
Spotting the signs early means fewer messes, faster learning, and a much smoother house training process.
How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Be Potty Trained?
If you’re wondering when the endless cleanups and early-morning sprints to the door will end—you’re not alone. Potty training doesn’t happen overnight, and every dog learns at their own pace.
On average, most puppies are reliably house trained between four to six months of age. But don’t be surprised if it takes longer—especially with smaller breeds that have tiny bladders and need more frequent breaks.
In some cases, full success might not come until closer to a year.
Several factors can speed up—or slow down—the process. Age plays a huge role. Young pups have less bowel control, so they’ll need more trips outside and extra patience.
Breed matters too—what works for a Labrador might not work for a toy poodle.
Consistency is key. Dogs thrive on routine.
A steady feeding schedule, timely potty breaks, and positive reinforcement can accelerate progress. On the flip side, inconsistent timing or punishment-based approaches often lead to confusion and setbacks.
Rescue dogs or adult dogs may need extra time, especially if they come with habits from a previous home—or no training at all. Trauma or anxiety can also impact how quickly a dog feels safe enough to learn new routines.
Your home setup makes a difference too.
A calm, structured environment with fewer distractions tends to result in quicker training. If you have multiple dogs, remember that one pup’s progress doesn’t always translate to another—they may each need tailored routines.
Even after they’ve “got it,” the occasional accident isn’t unusual—especially in a new environment or during stressful changes. The takeaway? Be patient, stay consistent, and keep reinforcing good behavior.
The puddles don’t last forever—but the habits you build now will.
Conclusion
Potty training isn’t a sprint—it’s a slightly messy, treat-filled marathon. From setting a solid schedule to spotting those pre-potty dance moves, every step you take helps your pup grow into the well-mannered dog you’ve been dreaming of.
Sure, there will be the occasional slip-up (and maybe a suspicious wet spot behind the couch), but with patience, consistency, and a sense of humor, you’ll both get there.
And while you're busy teaching your pup where to go, let Pogi’s handle the cleanup. Our eco-friendly training pads, compostable poop bags, and gentle grooming wipes are designed to make the house training process cleaner, greener, and a whole lot easier.
Your dog is learning. Your routine is working. And your floor? It’s finally getting a break.
Explore Pogi’s full line of potty training essentials today—because raising a good dog shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.
FAQs
How do I stop my dog from peeing and pooping in the house?
To stop your dog from using the house as their bathroom, start by sticking to a strict potty training schedule. Take your pup outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed. Watch for signs like circling or sniffing one corner—those usually mean they’re about to go potty. Use an enzymatic cleaner on soiled areas to remove lingering scents that may trigger repeat accidents. If you catch them mid-pee, calmly redirect them outside. Reinforce with treats and praise to help your dog learn where to go.
What is the 10 10 10 rule for potty training?
The 10-10-10 rule is a simple structure to help dog owners during house training. It suggests taking your puppy outside for 10 minutes, every 10 minutes, for 10 days—especially during early training. While intense, this method helps your pup learn when and where to go potty. During this period, supervise closely or use a crate to avoid accidents. Praise your dog immediately after they go outside. This kind of consistency builds strong potty habits quickly, especially for dogs adjusting to a new environment or recovering from bad dog behavior patterns.
What age are most dogs fully potty trained?
Most dogs are reliably house trained between four to six months of age, though smaller breeds and new puppies may need longer due to limited bladder control. Training success depends on routine, consistency, and supervision. Around 70% of dogs are fully house trained by six months, but some may need reinforcement beyond that, especially in multi-dog households or when transitioning from a puppy mill or rescue setting. Using crate training, regular potty cues, and rewards helps your pup build confidence in their routine and reduces the chance of accidents indoors.
Which dog breed is easiest to potty train?
Some dog breeds tend to catch on to house training faster than others. Breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and Miniature Schnauzer are often praised for being quick learners. They respond well to routine, cues like “go potty,” and structured training methods like crate use. That said, each dog is unique. A consistent feeding schedule, proper use of puppy pads during early stages, and immediate praise can help most dogs—regardless of breed—pick up house training habits more quickly. Remember, it's less about breed and more about consistency.
