When to start toilet training a puppy
The ideal time to start house training a puppy is when they are between 8 and 12 weeks old. This is when puppies start to gain control over their bladder and bowel movements. Puppies under 8 weeks usually don’t have the physical capability or cognitive understanding to start learning to toilet train.
Starting training too late, after 12 weeks, means the puppy is likely to have already learned undesirable habits like going to the toilet inside. The older the dog is, the harder it becomes to break bad toilet habits. So the 8-12 week period represents the best opportunity to begin teaching good toilet behaviors.
Signs a puppy is ready for toilet training
Puppies usually give signals that they need to relieve themselves. Being aware of these signs will help with timing toilet training sessions:
- Wandering around sniffing the floor
- Pacing or turning in circles
- Squatting
- Going to corners of rooms or behind furniture
- Scratching at doors or whining to go outside
As soon as you notice these cues, promptly take the puppy outside to their designated toilet area. This helps reinforce where they should be relieving themselves. Initially, puppies need to go out every 30-60 minutes at 8-12 weeks old.
Creating a routine
Puppies like consistency and respond well to set routines. To potty train effectively, take the puppy outside frequently according to a schedule. Example routine:
- First thing in the morning
- After naps
- After playtime
- After eating or drinking
- Every 30 minutes to an hour (for an 8-12 week old pup)
- Before bedtime
In addition to regular times, watch for any cues the puppy needs to go and take them out promptly. Always use the same exit spot and toilet area in the yard or on walks. This repetition will help the puppy learn where to go.
Choosing the right toilet spot
When house training a puppy:
- Pick a spot close to the house for quicker access outside.
- Choose an area with good drainage – puppies often urinate a lot.
- Use a surface that absorbs smell and is easy to clean, like grass, dirt or pebbles.
- Clear away any sticks, rocks or clutter the puppy could chew or eat.
If using pee pads, put them in a designated indoor spot. Be consistent with locations to avoid confusing the puppy.
Supervising the puppy
When indoors, closely supervise or confine the puppy to prevent ‘accidents’. Options include:
- Using baby gates or closing doors to limit access to rooms.
- Keeping the puppy on a leash attached to you.
- Crates – useful for when you can’t actively supervise.
- An exercise pen with room for food, water, bed and pee pads.
If you notice signs the puppy needs to go, immediately guide them outside to their toilet area. Prevention is key.
How to toilet train a puppy
When you take the puppy to their designated toilet spot:
- Use a verbal cue like “go potty” or “do your business”.
- Walk around with the puppy for 2-3 minutes until they go.
- Wait patiently – don’t play or distract the puppy.
- Give lots of praise and treats as soon as they finish going.
- Back inside, supervise again or return to the crate/pen.
If the puppy doesn’t go within a few minutes, go back inside and try again later. Avoid punishments – this can impede training. Just be persistent and reward successes.
Dealing with accidents
Accidents will happen during training. Here’s how to respond:
- Interrupt with a sharp “Ah Ah!” then immediately guide outside.
- Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove smells.
- Don’t punish the puppy – just calmly take them to their toilet spot.
- Re-evaluate supervision and confinement procedures.
Minimizing accidents indoors is crucial for training success. Close supervision paired with frequent trips outside are key.
How long does potty training take?
Potty training takes consistency and patience. Timeframes vary depending on factors like:
- Age when training starts – earlier is better.
- Breed size – smaller breeds take a bit longer.
- Individual personality.
- Consistency – frequent repetitions build habits quicker.
Guidelines for house training duration:
- Smaller breeds: 4-6 months old.
- Medium breeds: 3-4 months old.
- Larger breeds: 2-3 months old.
Puppies often seem trained and then regress. Stick with scheduling, supervision and praise – accidents will diminish over time.
Troubleshooting toilet training problems
If house training seems stalled, assess whether:
- The puppy is being sufficiently supervised and confined when unwatched.
- You are using the crate properly – not too much time confined.
- Accidents are being properly cleaned with enzymatic cleaners.
- The toilet routine and location is consistent.
- You are watching for signals and getting the puppy outside in time.
- Praise and treats are being given immediately after successes.
Also consider:
- Health issues like urinary tract infections or diarrhea.
- Stress or changes in the household or routine.
- Enlisting help from a professional trainer.
With time and consistency, most puppies can be house trained using positive reinforcement methods.
Conclusion
The key points for successfully potty training a puppy are:
- Ideal age is 8-12 weeks.
- Establish a predictable toilet routine.
- Choose an appropriate outdoor toilet spot.
- Prevent accidents through supervision or confinement.
- Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise.
- Be patient and committed to consistency.
Starting toilet training right during the 8-12 week puppy stage, sticking to a schedule, and rewarding successes lay the foundations for years of good housetraining. Be persistent and in a few months your puppy will be reliably toilet trained.