If you’re deep in the puppy stage, chances are potty training is high on your list — and maybe also driving you a little bit bananas. You’re not alone. This is the #1 concern I hear from new dog parents!
It feels like your puppy should just know where to go. But here’s the truth: potty training isn’t instinctive. Puppies need to be taught where to go, how to hold it, and eventually… how to signal when they need to go out. And yes — you can absolutely get there. Having a reliably potty trained dog brings peace of mind!
The good news? You can start seeing real progress in just a few days.
The catch? It takes consistency, observation, and a sprinkle of patience. But I promise, the effort now saves you so much cleanup, frustration, and confusion later.
In The Puppy System (my 4-week online training course), we start potty training the moment your puppy comes home. You’ll get daily schedules, a printable potty log, feeding routines, and community support and coaching is available so you never go it alone.
Because the earlier you create structure, the faster your puppy learns what’s expected — and the faster you get back to enjoying puppy life.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Set Your Puppy Up for Success
Here’s your golden rule: frequent potty breaks = fewer accidents.
Take your puppy outside often — especially in those early weeks when their little bladder is still learning control. Plan to stay outside for 15–20 minutes during potty breaks. Rushing back inside too soon is one of the most common puppy potty training mistakes I see!
Why? Because puppies often eliminate in spurts — kind of like a sponge that needs to be wrung out more than once. If you only catch the first little pee, there’s a good chance your puppy will need to go again soon… and that second round might happen on your rug.
Give them time. Walk around. Let them explore a bit. Encourage them to go again.
Pro Tip: Keep track of when they last went potty. If you’ve been outside for a while and they still haven’t gone, don’t assume they’re “empty.” Chances are, they’ll need another chance soon!
Crate Training = Potty Training Superpower
Using a crate can dramatically speed up puppy potty training — when done right.
Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which makes the crate a great tool for teaching bladder control. But the size matters. If the crate is too big, your puppy might use one end as a bathroom and the other for sleeping.
Look for a crate that comes with a divider so you can adjust the space as your puppy grows. I love this crate — it has two doors, is easy to assemble, has a divider that is easy to adjust, and gives you the flexibility to start small and scale up.
Pro Tip: For all naps and overnight sleep, use the crate. And when your puppy wakes up? Go straight outside. No stops, no chats, no distractions. Just scoop them up and head out. (Bonus tip: put your shoes on and dress for outside before you open that crate!)
When to Take Your Puppy Out
Here’s when you should be extra proactive:
- Right after sleeping (morning, naps, anytime)
- Right after eating or drinking
- After play or excitement
- Right before bed or crate time
The more predictable the potty schedule, the more predictable the results.
Accidents Happen — Here’s What to Do
First: don’t panic. Accidents are part of the process.
If you catch your pup mid-accident, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or give a firm (but not scary) “Nuh uh!” to interrupt them. Then calmly scoop them up and take them outside to finish their business. Praise them (or give them a treat) if they go outside.
If you find the accident after the fact? Clean it with this Enzyme Stain Remover (or one like it). Skip the scolding. Dogs don’t connect punishment with something that happened minutes ago — and we don’t want to unnecessarily scare them.
Ready to fast-track your puppy’s potty training success?
The early weeks are messy, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Inside The Puppy System, you’ll get everything you need to stay calm, consistent, and confident — including:
- Daily puppy schedules that keep your days on track
- A printable potty log to spot patterns and avoid accidents
- Feeding routines that support smooth potty training
- Crate training tips that actually work
- Only $97/ Access to lessons for 12 months
Let’s get you through the hard part faster — with guidance you can trust.
Online Puppy Training, DIY puppy training, Puppy Potty training
Calm Praise is Better Than Over-the-Top Cheers
When your puppy goes potty outside, praise them calmly in the moment — while they’re physically squatting. A quiet “Good potty!” or “Good pee!” will help them associate the action with the words.
But go easy on the enthusiasm. Getting too excited can interrupt the process! We want calm confidence, not surprise party energy.
Teach a Potty Command
Want your puppy to potty on cue one day? Start building that habit now.
Pick a phrase like “Go potty” or “Do your business,” and say it gently every time they start going. Over time, they’ll start to associate the cue with the action — which makes it so helpful when you’re traveling, short on time, or stuck in bad weather.
Potty Training Takes Time!
Potty training your puppy takes patience, consistency, and a whole lot of trips to the yard. But you’re not in this alone — and it’s so worth it.
Set a schedule. Celebrate the little wins. Expect a few messes along the way. Every bit of positive reinforcement moves your puppy one step closer to full puppy potty training success.
Online Puppy Training:
If you’re ready to follow a proven step-by-step plan — with daily guidance, printable resources, all from the comfort of your home— check out The Puppy System. This 4-week online puppy training course gives you puppy training activities that last an entire 12 months! Invest in your puppy’s first year with early puppy training.
Join today! Let’s get you through the messy stuff faster, together.
More Potty Training Resources:
- Distracted puppy who wants to play and not pee
- 3 Stages of Potty Training
- Signs Your Puppy Has to Potty
- #1 reason for Puppy Potty Accidents
- Potty & Cleaning Supplies
If you liked this topic, you might also like:
- Puppy Development Stages & Behavior: What to Expect as Your Puppy Grows
- How to Teach Your Puppy Their Name So They Will Come When Called
- Why a Puppy Schedule will Save your Sanity (and help your pup thrive)
Here are some of the links mentioned in this post:
- Crate with two doors and a divider, giving you the flexibility to start small and scale up
- Treats to use when you praise your puppy for going potty outside
- Enzyme Stain Remover to clean up potty training messes
- The Puppy System online puppy training course