How To Potty Train A Puppy: House Training, Preparing, Training Tips & More

Housebreaking a puppy can be stressful, but it’s also a great bonding experience for you and your pup. Just remember to be patient during this process. It’s harder for your puppy than it is for you (even though you’re the one cleaning up the mess). Follow these tips, and you’re sure to find success – together!

How To Potty Train A Puppy

Whether you are potty training a 12 week old puppy or an adult. Learning how to housebreak a puppy can be especially challenging, but it’s rewarding in the end. The best way to house-train a puppy is to start when they are 12 to 16 weeks old. If you follow these steps for potty training puppies correctly, you could have a house-trained pup in no time. Want to know how to potty train your puppy? Here are a few puppy potty training tips to help you out:

• Have a regular feeding schedule for your puppy.
• Take your puppy out first thing in the morning and then every 30 to 60 minutes. (Smaller pups have smaller bladders and need more frequent breaks.)
• Take them outside for potty breaks after meals, naps, and before bed.
• Take them to the same spot every time. (The scent will help remind them where to go potty.)
• Stay outside with your pup while you’re trying to house-train them.
• After your puppy goes potty, give him or her lots of attention and show them or they did a great job. Maybe give them a treat as a reward.
• Consider a potty training spray

How To Potty Train A Puppy Infographic

How Long Will Potty Training Puppy Take?

So, how long does it take to potty train a puppy? It will probably take at least four to eight weeks to get into a routine with potty training, but it may take four to six months for the process to be complete. It all depends on the dog. The more consistent you are, the quicker it will go.

What If My House Trained Puppy Has An Accident?

So you think you’ve got your puppy house trained, but then they have an accident. There are a few reasons this might occur:

• Too Young – Dogs younger than 12 weeks haven’t developed bladder or bowel control yet.
• House Training Not Complete – They aren’t quite there yet and may not know how to tell you that they need to go out.
• Regressing Is Real – Some puppies fall back in their progress, so remember to be patient with them.

Puppyhood Is The Best Time To Consider Pet Insurance

As a puppy, your dog has probably not shown any significant health concerns. Since pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you signup, the better coverage you’ll receive throughout their lifetime. Further, pet insurance can help support you financially during the unpredictable puppy years when dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldn’t and run into dangerous situations. Check out our pet insurance 101 guide to learn more and determine whether pet insurance is worth it for your puppy, or get free quotes instantly below.

How To Stop Your Dog From Peeing Inside

House training a puppy is one thing, but what if your dog is peeing inside? This video with Dr. Lera from Heron Lakes Animal Hospital talks about why your pup might be peeing inside and how to fix it.

Preparing To Bring Your Puppy Home

Thinking about the best way to potty training your puppy is only one way to prepare for bringing your puppy home. You just gained a child (we like to think of our pets as family), and you may need some tips to know what to expect from them and what you should do to provide a safe environment. Our experts advise bringing a puppy home to learn what you need first and other essential need-to-knows.

Other Types Of Training For Your Puppy

Now you know how to train a puppy to pee outside, but what about their other training needs? Lots of new pet parents need to know how to crate-train their puppies. You might also be wondering about obedience training. Our experts have you covered with excellent info on online training courses and finding the right trainer for the best treats for training and training collars.