How to Potty Train Your New Puppy

Potty training a new puppy can feel overwhelming alongside everything else that comes with bringing a pup home. But housebreaking is also a great opportunity to introduce routine and bonding into your dog's life. Here are the three keys to success.

Key 1: Consistency

Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. Set up a feeding schedule and take your puppy outside about 30 minutes after eating — this helps them associate meals with bathroom time.

Tip: Young puppies need to go out every 20–30 minutes while training. Frequent trips outside prevent accidents and build the habit faster.

Commands

Before heading outside, use a consistent verbal cue like "let's go out." With repetition, your puppy will associate those words with going to the bathroom. Use a different phrase for playtime to avoid confusion. When they start circling at their designated spot, introduce a command like "go potty" to speed up the process.

Location

Designate a specific spot in the yard and always take your puppy there on a leash to control their range. Use the same door every time so they learn where to go when they need to signal you. Keep your pup on a leash during training to maintain control of the area.

Key 2: Supervision

Keep your puppy in the same room with you at all times during training. If you spot them starting to squat, redirect them outside immediately. Use baby gates and closed doors to confine them to supervised areas and limit accidents to one space.

When you need to leave, consider crate training. Most dogs won't go to the bathroom in their crate, giving them incentive to hold it until you return. Browse our dog crates and beds for comfortable crate options.

Note: Crates aren't foolproof for long stretches. A puppy can't hold it for 8 hours — plan for a midday break if you're away at work.

Key 3: Positive Reinforcement

Every time your puppy goes where they should, praise them and offer a treat or piece of kibble. Dogs understand tone of voice and the language of food — when they know they're doing the right thing, they'll want to repeat it.

Accidents will happen — that's normal. Avoid yelling or harsh punishment. Stick to the routine and keep encouraging positive behavior. With love and patience, most puppies are housebroken within a few weeks.

For more on training and settling in your new puppy, see our guides on what to do when your puppy comes home and how to train your dog.