Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s pure joys — all those cuddles, tail wags, and puppy kisses! But let’s be real: when you’re stepping in a surprise puddle or worse... the honeymoon phase wears off real quick.
The good news? With the right approach, potty training your pup to do their business outside can be smooth, stress-free, and successful. Here’s everything you need to know.
🐶 Start Early, Stay Consistent
Puppies learn fast — but they also need guidance. Start toilet training as soon as your pup arrives home (ideally from 8 weeks onwards). Consistency is your best friend. The more consistent you are, the quicker your pup will understand what’s expected.
Top Tip: Take your puppy out:
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First thing in the morning
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After eating or drinking
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After naps
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After playtime
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Before bedtime
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Any time they start sniffing or circling indoors
🕒 Set a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Feed your puppy at the same times each day and take them outside immediately afterward. This creates predictable potty windows, which helps you catch them at the right time — and reduces the chances of accidents indoors.
🎉 Reward the Right Moments
When your puppy goes in the right place, make it a party! Lots of praise, a cheerful tone, and a small training treat can go a long way in reinforcing the behavior. Puppies live for your approval — make it clear they’ve done a great job.
Avoid punishing accidents. It just confuses your pup and can make them anxious. Instead, calmly clean it up (with a pet-safe cleaner to eliminate scent markers) and focus on catching the next moment they get it right.
🏡 Choose a "Toilet Spot"
Take your puppy to the same place each time you go outside. The familiar smells will help trigger the instinct to go. Eventually, just walking over there will signal to your dog, “Ah, this is the spot.”
You can even introduce a simple cue like “go toilet” or “hurry up” as they’re doing their business. Over time, they’ll associate the phrase with the action — super useful for rainy days or travel!
😴 Crate Training Can Help
Used correctly, crates are not punishment — they’re a cozy, safe space for your pup. Dogs don’t like to toilet where they sleep, so a crate can encourage them to hold it (within reason — young pups still need frequent breaks!).
Just make sure it’s the right size: not too big (or they’ll use one corner as a bathroom), not too small (they need to lie down comfortably).
💩 Be Patient — It’s a Process
Every puppy is different. Some catch on in a few days, others take a few weeks. Accidents are normal. What matters most is patience, praise, and sticking to the routine.
Final Thought: Keep It Positive
Potty training isn’t just about clean carpets — it’s about building trust, communication, and good habits that will last a lifetime. Stick with it, celebrate the wins, and remember: your pup wants to please you. They just need a little help learning how.
Need extra help or looking for essentials to make toilet training easier? From washable pee pads to puppy treats and crates, we’ve got everything you need to set your pup up for success. 🐾