When Can You Start Potty Training a Puppy?

Toilet training is complicated, and one of the questions I get quite often as a puppy expert, is “When should I start toilet training?”.

Honestly, it’s asked of me so much.

And I get it! There’s so much information out there, and all your friends, family, your breeder, your vet, etc all have an opinion, and they don’t agree.

This process isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about teaching good behavior and establishing routines that will benefit your puppy for years to come. But fear not! Let’s sift through the information overload and lay out the best practices for successful potty training.

Luckily, toilet training (at it’s core) is very simple. The key to successful potty training lies in consistency, patience, and understanding your puppy’s needs. Every puppy is unique, and factors like age, breed, and health can influence their potty training journey. By setting realistic expectations and following a structured approach tailored to your puppy’s age and abilities, you can create an ideal environment for potty training success. With dedication and perseverance, both you and your puppy can navigate this important milestone with ease and confidence.

The Best Age to Start Potty Training

Ideal age: 6-16 weeks

But, as soon as possible if you are outside of this window!

Dog trainers (like me) and vets agree that the best time to start potty training your puppy is between 6 to 16 weeks of age – yes, ideally this process starts with your breeder. During this period, puppies are more receptive to learning new behaviors and routines! It’s also known as the “Critical Phase” of socialization and learning.

Ideally, we want to avail of that window of time to start their training generally. And, seen as toilet training is one of the few skills that you truly need to be successful living with your dog, it’s one we should really put as a priority.

Understanding Puppy Development

Understanding the various stages of puppy development is crucial for successful potty training. Puppies undergo significant changes in their bladder control as they grow. Since their digestive systems are still maturing, timing is essential for effective potty training.

Young puppies, especially those under six months of age, have limited bladder control and require frequent potty breaks throughout the day. This means pet owners must be vigilant and ready to take their puppies outside or to their designated potty area regularly, or find friends or professionals who are willing to support this endeavour.

As puppies transition into older dogs, their bladder control improves, allowing them to hold it for longer periods. However, it’s still crucial to provide them with plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves, especially after meals and before bedtime.

Preparing for Potty Training

Setting up your home for successful potty training is crucial, especially for a young puppy. Begin by creating a safe space where accidents can be minimized. My favourite is a combination of a crate and a play pen, but you can also use baby gates to block off areas where your puppy shouldn’t roam freely, reducing the risk of accidents occurring in the wrong place.

Then, all you have to do is watch puppy.

Designating specific potty spots both indoors and outdoors is essential for effective potty training. Indoors, you can use potty pads to provide a designated area for your puppy to relieve themselves. Outdoors, choose a consistent spot where you want your puppy to go potty and take them there regularly. Stock up on necessary supplies such as puppy pads, potty bells, and plenty of treats for positive reinforcement. These tools will help reinforce good behavior and make the training process smoother for both you and your puppy.

As your puppy grows, continue to adjust your home setup to accommodate their changing needs. Gradually increase their freedom around the house as they demonstrate reliability in their potty routine. Remember, potty training takes time and patience. By setting up your home appropriately and providing consistent guidance, you’ll help your puppy develop good bathroom habits that will last a lifetime!

Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

STEP 1

Minimise potential for accidents, when pup is awake you need to be watching them, and if they’re asleep, this is a great time for you to get things done.

STEP 2

Take pup out at the following times;

• After sleeping
• After playing
• After eating
• After drinking

Then ensure regular toilet breaks are offered when awake and that we watch puppy thoroughly for signs like

1. Lots of sniffing
2. Circling
3. Abrupt changes in behavior (e.g. switching from playing to sniffing quickly)
4. Pacing
5. Attention seeking
6. Squatting

Which all may indicate that puppy will need or want to go to the toilet. This, however, is all unique to your puppy, and your puppy will require you to be observant and notice those signals.

STEP 3

Reward really well for going to the bathroom outside!

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO GET PUPPY TO USE THE BATHROOM OUTDOORS

• Try hyping them up – putting energy into their movement can stimulate the bowels.
• Try again in 5 mins
• If you give up and go in, watch them as soon as you come in!

IF PUPPY MAKES A MISTAKE…

Beyond this, mistakes are human error, we made the rules that indoors isn’t ok to pee/poop in, we’re teaching the rules, and our student doesn’t speak English and has a significantly lower IQ than we do. So if slip ups happen? Clean it up.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Accidents inside the house are inevitable during the potty training process. Despite your best efforts, puppies, especially those under six months of age, are still learning to control their bladders. Understand that they’re not being disobedient intentionally.

Instead of getting frustrated, stay patient and focus on guiding them towards the right behavior. Remember, puppies are den animals, and they naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas. Utilize this instinct by providing a designated potty spot that’s easily accessible, whether it’s in the laundry room or a specific area with free access.

Remember, you do not need to punish your puppy for mistakes. Instead, learn from it, increase your observation and win the next battle!

Consistency is key in puppy training, so stick to your routine and offer plenty of praise when they get it right.

However, if accidents persist despite your efforts, it’s essential to consider potential medical issues like urinary tract infections. Consulting your veterinarian can rule out any underlying conditions affecting your puppy’s ability to control their bladder.

By staying consistent with your training routine and providing plenty of positive reinforcement, you’ll set your puppy up for potty training success. Remember that every puppy is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and adaptable, trying different methods and adjusting your approach as needed. With time and perseverance, your puppy will learn to potty in the appropriate places, making your life as a pet owner much easier.

Final Tips and Best Practices

1. The first step is understanding your puppy’s developmental stages, recognizing their need for frequent bathroom breaks. From around 6 weeks of age, begin introducing them to the right place for potty time, whether it’s outdoors or on designated pee pads indoors. 
2. Keep a close eye on their behavior and schedule, setting them up for success by providing plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves in the correct spot.
3. Next, be patient and consistent with your training efforts. Encourage good behavior by offering lots of praise and rewards every time your puppy goes potty in the designated area. 
4. Maintain a regular schedule for bathroom breaks, especially after meals and before bedtime. 
5. As your puppy grows older, gradually increase their freedom around the house, but continue to monitor them closely to prevent potty accidents. Remember, staying vigilant and consistent is the best way to reinforce good habits and establish a reliable potty routine.
6. Lastly, don’t forget to take a deep breath and remain calm through any challenges that arise. Potty training can be frustrating at times, but maintaining a positive attitude is key. 
7. If accidents occur, clean them up promptly and avoid punishing your puppy. Instead, redirect them to the right place and continue to provide gentle guidance.

With patience, consistency, and plenty of praise, your puppy will learn to potty in the appropriate places and grow into a well-trained adult dog.

Conclusion

Watch your puppy, listen to your puppy, and learn from your puppy.

Toilet training feels like an unending process, but I promise, if you keep going, if you keep on the positive reinforcement methods? It’ll all fall into place. You just have to be relax, take the process step by step, and you’ll have your pup potty trained real quick!

If you want more help with raising your puppy? Pupdates is perfect for you!

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible

Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.