Pet Potty Training

House training (or potty training) may be one of the most important things you do with your new puppy. Everyone—whether two- or four-legged—is happier when puppy knows the rules of the road about where and when to go potty. As you work on potty training for a puppy, keep in mind that it’s natural for a puppy to view the whole world as one giant potty area. The keys to teaching your puppy where to take potty breaks are regular outings, proper management, appropriate supervision and positive reinforcement. (Punishment has no place in potty training!) It is a process that takes both time and patience, but you and your puppy can master this important task.

So how long does it take to potty train a puppy? That largely depends on how consistent you are and how long your puppy can hold it. (Small breed puppies typically have a harder time holding it than large breed puppies, for example.) Below are steps for how to toilet train a puppy in seven days—you may find it takes a little longer with your own puppy, and that’s OK!