POTTY TRAINING TIPS

Dog Potty Training Guide

Complete Guide to Dog Potty Training

Say goodbye to indoor accidents and master professional training techniques to help your dog learn proper potty habits quickly.

Start Learning Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Puppy Potty Training

Take out hourly, establish routine

2. Adult Dog Potty Training

Adjust to new environment, rebuild habits

3. Prevent Crate Accidents

Troubleshoot, limit time, train gradually

4. Stop Marking Behavior

Supervise, redirect, use aids

5. Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell

Communication tool, build reflex

6. Train Your Dog to Use Pee Pads

Choose location, supervise, reduce area

1. How to Potty Train a Puppy

The key to potty training a puppy is to take them outside frequently and reward them immediately after they pee or poop in the right place. The first few weeks require a lot of your time and attention, but this will lay the foundation for good potty habits.

Key Training Techniques

  • Frequent Outings: Take your puppy outside every hour for the first 2-3 weeks to establish a routine and habit.
  • Avoid Indoor Pee Pads: Using pee pads can confuse puppies. Train them to go outside directly.
  • Carry to Correct Spot: If you live in an apartment or your puppy tends to have accidents on the way, carry them directly to the potty area for the first few weeks.
  • Use Crate When Unsupervised: Confine your puppy to a crate or small area when you can't watch them to prevent accidents.
  • Handle Accidents Properly: If you catch your puppy in the act, quietly interrupt and take them outside. If you find an accident after the fact, don’t scold—simply clean it up and adjust your outing frequency.

Expert Tip

Potty training a puppy usually takes longer than new owners expect. On average, puppies may need to go out 12-13 times a day. Stay patient and consistent—your efforts will pay off!

Apartment Puppy Training Tips

Training a puppy in an apartment can be challenging due to the longer trip to the potty area. But with extra effort, you can still succeed:

  • Carry your puppy to the designated potty area for the first few weeks to prevent accidents on the way.
  • Even if it takes 10-15 minutes extra travel time, keep taking them out—you'll see results within a month.
  • Use a crate or playpen to limit their space when you can't supervise, even in an apartment.

2. How to Potty Train an Adult Dog

When adopting an adult dog, don't assume it's already trained. With patience, consistency, and a clear plan, most adult dogs can adapt to new potty rules quickly.

Adult Dog Training Essentials

  • Don't Assume Training: The new dog may have unknown potty habits. Keep watch for 60-90 minutes for the first few days to observe their needs.
  • Closely Supervise: Monitor the dog constantly for the first few days. Use a crate when you can't supervise to prevent accidents.
  • Fixed Times and Places: Take the dog to the same spot at the same times daily. Reward immediately after they go.
  • Handle Accidents Properly: If you catch them in the act, interrupt and take them outside. Do not punish accidents; instead, clean up and continue training.
  • Consistent Feeding Schedule: Feed at fixed times daily so you can predict when the dog needs to eliminate.

Common Issues

If an adult dog suddenly starts having accidents indoors, consider these possible causes:

  • Health Issues: Urinary tract infections or other medical problems can cause frequent urination.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Changes in environment, routine, or family structure can trigger accidents.
  • Marking Behavior: Unneutered dogs may mark territory indoors.
  • Inconsistent Training: The owner may not be following a consistent potty training approach.

Handling Special Situations

If an adult dog has long-term potty issues, follow these steps:

  1. First, get a full veterinary checkup to rule out health problems.
  2. Restart basic potty training as strictly as you would with a puppy.
  3. Use enzymatic cleaners to thoroughly remove all urine odors and prevent repeat marking.
  4. Consider using behavior modification tools or anti-anxiety aids if needed (under vet guidance).
  5. Stay patient and consistent—it may take several weeks to see improvement.

3. Prevent Puppy Accidents in Crate

Crate training is an effective way to teach puppies bladder control. However, if the crate is too large or the puppy is left too long, they might soil inside. Identifying the cause and taking appropriate measures can solve this problem.

Troubleshoot the Cause

  • Crate Too Large: If the crate is very big, the puppy may sleep in one corner and pee in another.
  • Too Much Time in Crate: Very young puppies have small bladders and can't hold it for long periods.
  • Not Taken Out Properly: Failure to take the puppy out immediately after they wake up can lead to accidents.
  • Health Issues: Urinary tract infections or other medical problems may cause frequent urination.
  • Negative Association: If the puppy feels fear or anxiety in the crate, it might soil out of stress.

Proper Crate Use

The crate should be a safe and comfortable space, not a punishment:

  • Choose a crate that's just big enough for the puppy to turn around and lie down.
  • Place a soft bed and favorite toys inside to make it inviting.
  • Don't leave the puppy in the crate for extended periods.
  • Create positive associations, such as feeding meals before crate time.

Gradual Training Method

If your puppy has already urinated in the crate, try these steps to correct the behavior:

  1. Thoroughly clean the crate with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all odors.
  2. Temporarily reduce the crate size using a divider so it's just big enough for the puppy.
  3. Strictly control the puppy's time in the crate, adjusting according to their age.
  4. Take the puppy to the designated potty area before placing them in the crate each time.
  5. Take the puppy out of the crate immediately after they wake up and bring them to the potty area.
  6. Reward the puppy generously after they potty in the correct place.

4. Stop Your Dog from Marking Indoors

Marking is a natural behavior where dogs use urine to claim territory. It's often related to sexual maturity or stress. With consistent training and preventive measures, you can address this issue effectively.

Differentiate Marking from Potty Issues

  • Marking Behavior: Small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces (walls, furniture). Can occur in both male and female dogs.
  • Potty Problem: Regular eliminations in horizontal areas. Often related to incomplete training or medical issues.

Prevent Marking Behavior

These measures can help prevent marking behavior:

  • Neuter or spay your dog early (around 6 months).
  • Avoid letting your dog sniff other dogs' urine outdoors.
  • Manage your dog's sense of territory by not over-protecting things like spaces or toys.
  • When introducing a new pet, allow them to gradually get used to each other's scent.
  • Keep the environment stable to minimize stress.

Steps to Address Marking Behavior

If your dog has started marking indoors, follow these steps:

  1. Thoroughly Clean Marked Areas: Use enzymatic cleaners to completely remove odors and prevent re-marking.
  2. Restrict Movement: Use a crate or leash and allow only supervised access until the behavior is corrected.
  3. Block Access: Temporarily block off or restrict access to areas where your dog frequently marks.
  4. Reinforce Potty Training: Take the dog to the designated outdoor spot and reward them every time they eliminate there.
  5. Manage the Environment: Remove or cover items your dog has marked to reduce triggers.
  6. Use Deterrents: Apply pet-safe deterrents to areas you want to protect.

5. Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell to Go Out

Training your dog to use a bell is an effective way to communicate when they need to go outside. It gives them a clear signal and can prevent accidents.

Choose the Right Bell

  • Location: Hang the bell where your dog can easily reach it, typically on a doorknob or doorframe at their height.
  • Type: Pick a bell with a clear, non-jarring sound, such as a metal dog bell or a doorbell that rings softly.
  • Quantity: Start with 1-2 bells to keep the noise simple and avoid overwhelming your dog.

Training Steps

Bell training requires patience and consistency. It usually takes 2-4 weeks:

  1. Introduce the Bell: Bring your dog's attention to the bell. Let them sniff and interact with it. Ring it yourself and immediately open the door, then praise them after each ring.
  2. Build Association: Each time you ring the bell, open the door and give a treat. This teaches your dog that the bell means going outside.
  3. Encourage Use: When you notice your dog showing signs of needing to go out (sniffing the door, circling), guide them to touch the bell before opening.
  4. Reinforce the Bell: Consistently open the door immediately after the bell rings and reward your dog (treats and praise).
  5. Reduce Guidance: Gradually decrease your assistance until your dog learns to use the bell independently.

Common Issues & Solutions

Dog Is Afraid of the Bell

Gradually accustom your dog by letting them sniff or touch it gently. Reward them for any interest, then slowly move it to the door position.

Dog Forgets to Use the Bell

During the initial training period, bring your dog to the bell every 15-20 minutes before going out to reinforce the behavior.

Dog Overuses the Bell

Only respond to the bell when your dog actually needs to go out. If they ring it repeatedly for attention, calmly ignore extra rings.


6. Train Your Dog to Use Pee Pads

Pee pads can be a useful training tool for indoor potty, especially for puppies or when outdoor access is limited. Proper introduction and consistency are key to making pee pad training successful.

Essential Pee Pad Training Tips

  • Choose the Right Location: Place the pee pad in a quiet, easily accessible area, away from your dog's food and sleeping area.
  • Use Scent or Markers: Some pee pads come with attractant scent; you can also use a cloth with your dog's urine to encourage them to use it.
  • Supervise Closely: Initially keep your dog in sight or on a leash and guide them to the pad after meals, naps, or playtime.
  • Consistent Cue: Use a consistent command like "Go potty" when placing your dog on the pad.
  • Gradual Reduction: Once your dog is reliably using the pad, you can gradually reduce its size by folding or cutting edges, aiming to eventually transition them outdoors if desired.
  • Avoid Scolding: Never punish your dog for accidents on or off the pad. Simply clean up and try again, as this is a learning process.

Training Steps

  1. Introduce the Pee Pad: Bring your dog to the pad and encourage sniffing. Praise them while standing near it to build curiosity.
  2. After Each Break: Take your dog to the pee pad every time they wake, after meals, or play. Use the same spot and command phrase each time.
  3. Reward Immediately: Give a treat and praise the moment your dog eliminates on the pad. Positive reinforcement strengthens the habit.
  4. Gradually Increase Freedom: As your dog gets reliable, allow them more free time in the area, but return them to the pad whenever signs of needing to go appear.

Common Issues & Fixes

Dog Avoids the Pad

If your dog is reluctant, try changing the pad's location or type. Ensure it's clean and try placing treats on it to entice them.

Dog Eats or Chews the Pad

If chewing is an issue, use a grate over the pad or move to training pads with deterrent. Always supervise initially.

No Improvement

Keep a close schedule. If accidents continue, briefly confine your dog to encourage interest in the pad when taken there.