Housebreaking your puppy can feel challenging, but with the right approach, it’s a manageable and rewarding process. Teaching your puppy where and when to relieve itself not only keeps your home clean but also establishes trust and strengthens your bond with your new pet. Housebreaking involves consistent routines, clear signals, and positive reinforcement, setting the foundation for your puppy’s lifelong habits. Puppies thrive on structure, and understanding their natural instincts helps prevent accidents and reduces stress for both you and your pet. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps, effective training techniques, and tips to housebreak your puppy efficiently, from creating a schedule to managing setbacks. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or experienced in training, these methods ensure a smoother transition for your puppy into their new home life, giving you peace of mind and your puppy a positive start.
Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Getting a new pet is always fun and exciting. Puppies are not only absolutely adorable, they’re also lots of fun. Of course, you’ll have quite a lot of work to handle that first year. One of the biggest things on your agenda? Housebreaking. Read on for some helpful tips from a local veterinarian.
Go All-In
Potty training your pet will take up quite a bit of time … in the short run. Once your canine pal is fully trained, you’ll be able to scale back to regular walks. For now, though, plan to walk little Fido quite a bit.
How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?
While some dogs mature more quickly than others, there are a few rules of thumb you can go by. The easiest way to remember it is to go by your canine pal’s age. Puppies can generally hold it for just about an hour for every month of their age. Therefore, a two-month-old pooch will need to go out about every two hours, while a three-month-old puppy should go out every three—or at most four—hours. By the time Fido is about seven months old, he’ll be able to hold it for seven hours.
If you want to housebreak your puppy, take little Fido outside the moment you notice any signs he needs to go. Watch for him sniffing his rear, turning in circles, or nosing around the floor, as these are often signals that he’s searching for a spot. Squatting is another sign, though you might be too late if he’s already in position. Being alert to these behaviors can make the housebreaking process smoother and help your puppy learn faster.
Once your pet starts to get the hang of it, he may also bark or scratch at the door. Some dogs will paw at you, whine, or give you that ‘I gotta go’ look.
We also would recommend walking your pet at the following times:
- After Meals
- Before Bed
- In The Morning
- Before You Leave/Come Back
- When You See Signs
Also, keep in mind that, in general, big dogs can hold it longer than small breeds. Ask your vet for more information.
Hit The Same Spot
When it comes to training dogs, consistency is always key. With potty training, it’s important for you to make the process of going outside as routine as possible. Try to go to the same spot every time. If you are in an apartment and need to walk, use the same route. This will help Fido ‘mark’ his territory with his scent.
Be Prepared
Always keep a leash handy. You may want to hang one at the door. That way, you’ll be able to get your little buddy outside as soon as he indicates having to go.
Keep Your Puppy On A Consistent Feeding Schedules
Housebreaking your puppy isn’t just about potty training; it’s also beneficial for overall pet care. Puppies feel more secure when they follow a steady schedule, which supports their comfort and well-being. Establishing a routine plays a big role in housebreaking, as it keeps everything on a consistent timetable, helping puppies understand when and where they should relieve themselves.
Monitor Fido’s Water Intake
If Fido slurps up half of the contents of his water bowl in one go, he’ll probably need to go shortly after. If you see your pooch drinking a lot of water, take him out right after.
Take Lots Of Walks
As your pet gets into the swing of things, he’ll begin to associate walks with relieving himself. For now, you may have to spend a bit more time outdoors than you will down the road. Basically, you’ll need to stay out until little Fido relieves himself. As soon as he does, heap him with loads of praise and offer a treat.
Keep Up The Pawsitive Reinforcement
We always advocate using a system that focuses on rewards rather than punishment when training animals. That means praising and petting little Fido and offering him treats every time he does his business outdoors. Eventually, you’ll be able to scale back. For now, you just want your pet to understand that going outside will make you happy and will earn him love, attention, and treats… all of which are some of his favorite things.
Crate Train
Crate training aligns perfectly with efforts to housebreak your puppy. Dogs instinctively avoid eliminating in areas where they eat and sleep. Little Fido might not mind making a mess in the kitchen before running off to play in the living room, but he certainly won’t want to soil his own bed. Using a crate provides a safe, comfortable space that encourages him to hold it until he’s let outside, making the housebreaking process smoother and more effective.
The key with crate training is that you have to be sure you’re doing it properly. Many dogs feel secure and comfy in their crates. You want Fido to think of his crate as his safe little den … not a jail cell. Adding bedding and toys can go a long way here.
Crate training should also happen in stages. At first, just give Fido toys, treats, and attention near his crate. Next, you can toss toys or treats into it for him. You can start to feed him in the crate as well. Eventually, you’ll move up to closing the door while your pooch is eating. Ask your vet for training tips.
A word on choosing crates? If your canine pal is expected to grow quite a bit, get a crate that will still fit him in a year. Otherwise, you’ll be upgrading within a few months.
Don’t Get Upset Over Messes
Dogs are wonderful pets, but they aren’t perfect. Even fully housebroken dogs have accidents from time to time. That’s normal. If little Fido makes a mistake, don’t punish him. If you happen to see it, you can reprimand him in a stern voice. However, anything more than that may just confuse and frighten the little guy.
Have Cleaning Supplies On Hand
Be prepared to pick up after the little guy, especially until he is fully trained. You’ll want to get a product that doesn’t contain ammonia, which will only reinforce the smell of urine. Bleach also won’t cut it. An enzyme-based cleaning product is your best bet. It may also be a good idea to get a good rug shampooer, even if it’s just a small handheld one.
Moving Forward
Once your pet has the basics down, you can start taking him to new places. Going to parks and trails can also be great for socialization! You’ll also need to get your furry pal used to going outdoors in various situations, such as when it’s dark or rainy. Keep training treats on hand, and don’t forget to praise your four-legged pal.
Think Twice About Pee Pads
Pee pads are designed to help when you’re working to housebreak your puppy. The goal is for your puppy to first learn to use the pad indoors and then transition to going outside. In some cases, pee pads can be useful, such as when you’ll be out for an extended period. However, they may also confuse your puppy, potentially lengthening the housebreaking process. For tailored advice, consult your veterinarian about whether pee pads are a good fit for your training approach.
How to Housebreak Your Puppy in 2025
How do you handle a puppy that’s soiling their crate?
To address a puppy soiling their crate, ensure the crate is appropriately sized; it should be big enough for comfort but small enough to discourage messes. Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, but if accidents happen, review feeding and potty schedules to ensure they align with your puppy’s needs. Take your puppy outside immediately after eating or drinking and monitor signs indicating they need to go. Always clean accidents thoroughly with enzyme-based cleaners to remove odors, and avoid punishing mishaps to keep your puppy calm and secure.
What type of leash is most effective for house training?
A short, standard leash is typically the most effective for house training a puppy. Standard leashes provide you with close control, making it easier to guide the puppy outside promptly when they show signs of needing to relieve themselves. Avoid retractable leashes during house training, as they can make it harder to maintain control and consistency, which are crucial for helping a puppy learn routines. Additionally, having a leash conveniently located by the door can speed up the response time, reinforcing the house training process effectively.
What are the pros and cons of using puppy pads?
Puppy pads can be convenient, especially if a puppy is left alone longer than usual or during inclement weather when outdoor trips are challenging. They can serve as a temporary solution for housebreaking, giving puppies a designated spot indoors to relieve themselves. However, relying on them may confuse the puppy, as it may delay learning to go outside. Pads can unintentionally reinforce indoor potty habits, potentially prolonging the training process. Overall, using puppy pads should be a carefully considered, temporary aid rather than a primary training method.
How long should house training typically take?
House training a puppy generally takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the dog’s age, breed, and consistency in training. Younger puppies have smaller bladders and need frequent breaks; they can usually hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. As they grow and gain better control, the time between walks increases. Following a consistent routine, praising successes, and using crate training effectively can speed up the process. Larger breeds may learn faster, while smaller breeds often take a bit more time.
What role does territory marking play in house training?
Territory marking helps establish a familiar scent for puppies during house training, which reinforces routine and consistency. Returning to the same spot allows puppies to recognize their scent, creating an association between that area and bathroom breaks. This repetition strengthens their understanding of where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. Marking also supports natural canine instincts, as dogs use scent to communicate and feel secure in their environment. Consistency in location and routine encourages the development of reliable habits, making the house training process smoother and more effective.
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