House training your puppy in only one week!

Potty Training Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle

Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new puppy owners, but with the right routine and a bit of patience, most puppies can learn within a week.

Why Crate Training Helps

Start crate training as soon as your puppy comes home—ideally at 8 weeks. Puppies adapt much faster at this age, and crates give them a safe, comfortable space. Because dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep, crate training also helps prevent accidents and encourages bladder control.

Routine Is Everything

After a meal, play session, or training, place your puppy in the crate for a nap (about 2–3 hours). When they wake up or start getting restless, take them straight outside. If they go, praise them. This repetition teaches them what’s expected.

Puppies have small bladders, so aim to take them out every 2 to 3 hours—even if it feels frequent. It’s better to check too often than to miss the window and find a mess on the floor.

Remove all rugs and mats during this stage. The soft texture feels similar to grass and may encourage them to eliminate there. Stick to easy-to-clean floors like tile or wood while they’re still learning.

If your puppy does have an accident inside, clean it thoroughly to eliminate any lingering smell that might encourage them to go in the same spot again.

Mealtimes, Water, and Night Training

Always take your puppy outside after meals and praise them when they go. While treats can be helpful, it’s really the repetition, routine, and their natural instincts that make potty training stick.

Before bedtime, limit access to water—especially if your pup tends to drink a lot all at once. This helps reduce the chance of overnight accidents. Of course, use your judgment and don’t restrict water after exercise or in hot weather.

At night, avoid sticking to a rigid schedule like 12 a.m. and 3 a.m., as this can accidentally train your puppy to expect those times. Instead, respond to their needs and gradually reduce the number of night-time potty trips.

Example:
Night 1: 4 potty breaks
Night 2: 3 breaks
Night 3: 2 breaks
Night 4+: 1 or none

Stick to a late-night potty at around 10 p.m. for best results.

If You’re Not Using a Crate

Crate training makes potty training much easier, but if you prefer not to use one, keep a close eye on your puppy. If you’re not watching, they’ll go wherever they are. Know when they last ate, drank, or went potty so you can anticipate their needs.

Avoid Punishment

Never punish a puppy for having an accident. Harsh methods like rubbing their nose in it only create fear and confusion. They won’t understand that the problem was going indoors—they may just become scared to go in front of you at all.

Potty training takes consistency and kindness. Remember, puppies aren’t trying to misbehave—they’re learning. It’s our job to guide them with patience.

This guide was created in collaboration with Courtney Cuthbert from Echotrack K9 Training Solution, whose expertise was instrumental in its development. Courtney Cuthbert DipCABT, DH5 Sasseta, PSIRA, Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Training (Petsense College 2022).