Welcoming your new puppy home is an exciting time! From introducing them to their new environment and family members to enjoying plenty of cuddles and playtime, there's lots to look forward to.
Bringing home a puppy also means spending time teaching them the fundamentals that will set them up for success.
Toilet training is one of the most important skills you'll teach your puppy, helping establish a comfortable routine for both of you.
Also known as house training or potty training, toilet training involves teaching your puppy where they should go to the toilet while they gradually develop better bladder and bowel control.
How long does it take to toilet train a puppy?
Typically, puppies can be toilet trained within four to six months, although some may not be completely reliable until they're eight to twelve months old.
Your puppy's age, previous experiences, training methods, and consistency can all influence how long the process takes.
For example, a young puppy may be learning toilet habits for the first time, while an older puppy or rescue dog may need time to adjust to a different routine.
In some cases, your puppy may pick up toilet training quickly before experiencing the occasional setback.
You might also find that they're comfortable toileting outside at home but have accidents when visiting an unfamiliar environment.
This is all part of the learning process!
Developing reliable bladder and bowel control takes time, and even puppies that understand where they should go may not yet have the physical ability to wait for long periods.
How often will my puppy need to pee?
When toilet training your puppy, the goal is to give them plenty of opportunities to get it right and reward them when they do.
For young puppies, we recommend starting with toilet breaks approximately every 30–60 minutes while they're awake, adjusting the frequency according to their individual needs.
You'll also want to take your puppy outside:
- As soon as they wake up in the morning
- Before going to bed at night
- Before and after spending time in their crate
- After waking from a nap
- Shortly after eating
- After playing or exercising
As your puppy becomes more familiar with toilet training and develops better bladder control, you can gradually increase the time between breaks.
A common guideline suggests that puppies may be able to hold their bladder for approximately one hour per month of age.
For example, a four-month-old puppy might be able to go around four hours between toilet breaks in some circumstances.
However, this is only a rough guide, not a target. Puppies often need to go much more frequently when they're awake, active, or excited.
They may be able to go longer overnight while sleeping, but some puppies will still need overnight toilet breaks for several months.
Toilet training tools and products
Crate training
Crate training can be a useful tool when toilet training your puppy, provided it's introduced gradually and positively.
Dogs generally prefer to keep their sleeping areas clean, so a correctly sized crate may help encourage your puppy to wait until they're taken to their designated toilet area.
However, crates should never be used to force a puppy to hold their bladder for longer than they're physically capable of.
Start by helping your puppy become comfortable in their crate for short periods while you're nearby.
You can gradually build up the time they spend inside, using praise and rewards to create a positive association.
Make sure your puppy has regular toilet breaks and never use their crate as punishment.
Puppy training pads
Puppy training pads can be helpful in certain circumstances, such as apartment living or when immediate outdoor access isn't available.
They provide your puppy with a designated indoor area where they can relieve themselves.
However, if your long-term goal is for your puppy to toilet exclusively outdoors, introducing puppy pads may mean you'll need to teach them a second toilet routine later.
If you're using pads, place them in a consistent location and reward your puppy for using them correctly.
As your puppy becomes more confident, you can gradually transition them to toileting outside.
How to toilet train your puppy
Toilet training involves using positive reinforcement to reward your puppy when they go to the toilet in the right place, while providing regular opportunities to prevent accidents indoors.
With consistency, patience, rewards, and plenty of scheduled toilet breaks, your puppy will gradually learn where they're supposed to go.
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Establish a consistent feeding routine. Feed your puppy at regular times throughout the day, following an age-appropriate feeding schedule. This can help make their toilet habits more predictable.
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Choose a designated toilet area. Pick a suitable spot, such as your backyard, and take your puppy there consistently. Familiar smells may encourage them to go to the toilet.
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Take your puppy outside regularly. Start with toilet breaks every 30–60 minutes while they're awake, along with breaks after meals, naps, playtime, and before bed. Adjust the frequency as your puppy develops better bladder control.
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Watch for signs they need to go. Between scheduled toilet breaks, keep an eye out for behaviours such as pacing, whining, circling, sniffing the floor, or heading towards the door. If you notice these signs, take your puppy outside as soon as possible.
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Reward successful toilet breaks. Stay with your puppy when you take them outside and reward them immediately after they finish toileting in the correct place. Praise and small treats can help reinforce the behaviour.
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Stay calm when accidents happen. If your puppy has an accident indoors, avoid punishment, including rubbing their nose in the mess. They won't understand why they're being punished, and it may make toilet training more stressful. Instead, calmly clean up and continue following your routine.
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Gradually increase the time between breaks. Once your puppy consistently toilets in the correct place, slowly extend the time between scheduled breaks. Remember that bladder control develops at different rates, so always adjust your routine to suit your puppy.
Toilet training tips
- Be patient: Accidents are a normal part of toilet training. If they're happening frequently, your puppy may need more regular toilet breaks.
- Watch for subtle signs: Not every puppy will bark or scratch at the door when they need to go. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour.
- Allow time to toilet: Some puppies will go as soon as they're outside, while others may need a few minutes to sniff and explore before they're ready.
- Clean accidents thoroughly: Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner to remove lingering odours that might encourage your puppy to return to the same spot.
- Practise in new environments: Even if your puppy is reliably toilet trained at home, they may need extra guidance when visiting unfamiliar places. Supervise them closely and offer regular toilet breaks.
- Expect occasional setbacks: Changes in your puppy's environment or routine can sometimes lead to accidents. Continue reinforcing their training and be patient as they adjust.
If your puppy suddenly starts having frequent accidents after previously being toilet trained, or shows signs of discomfort when urinating, consult your vet to rule out any underlying medical concerns.
Set your puppy up for toilet training success
Toilet training takes time, patience, and consistency, but with plenty of positive reinforcement and a reliable routine, your puppy will gradually learn good habits.
Ready to get started? Explore Petstock's range of puppy toilet training supplies to find training pads, cleaning products, and other essentials to make toilet training a little easier for you and your pup.