Simple Steps That Actually Work

Updated May 2026

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you recently brought home a new puppy.

(Congratulations, by the way!! There’s truly nothing better than puppy cuddles and puppy kisses.)

There’s also probably a little chaos in your home right now… Chewed-up toys, chewed up household objects, and a lot of pee accidents. Maybe you’re wondering if you’re taking your puppy outside often enough. Maybe your puppy pees outside, comes back in, and then somehow pees again five minutes later.

Sound familiar? If so, you are definitely not alone. And we are here to help make the adorable and exhausting puppy stage easier for you.

Potty training is one of the first big challenges most new dog owners face, and it can quickly feel frustrating — especially when you’re doing your best, but it still hasn’t fully clicked for your puppy.

We’ve been through the potty training stage ourselves, and the biggest thing to know is this: potty training is not about doing something complicated. It’s about doing a few simple steps very consistently.

This DJANGO guide walks you through how to potty train a puppy successfully. We cover how often to take your puppy outside, what to do after pee or poo accidents, why some dog breeds take longer, and how to make those early potty breaks easier on both you and your dog.

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy?

Most puppies start to understand potty training within a few weeks, but full reliability usually takes longer. In general, many puppies:

• Start understanding the routine within 1–3 weeks
• Become more reliable after about 4–8 weeks of consistency
• Become fully potty trained around 4–6 months old

Some puppies and breeds learn quickly and are fully potty trained within 2-3 months. Some take longer. Small breeds, stubborn breeds, and very young puppies often need extra patience.

And if your puppy is having accidents even though you’re trying hard, that does not mean you’re failing. It usually means your puppy needs more time, more structure, or more frequent potty breaks.

How to Potty Train a Puppy: 7 Simple Steps

Step 1: Start With a Realistic Puppy Potty Training Schedule

Young puppies do not have full bladder control, and that’s why accidents happen and dog owners get frustrated. Despite taking your puppy outside every hour or two, pee accidents still occur. This is 100% normal during the very early stages of puppyhood, and it’s OK.

A good starting puppy potty training rhythm should look like this:

• First thing in the morning, immediately after taking your puppy out of his or her crate, and before breakfast or playtime
• Right after meals, since digestion tends to move things along quickly at this age
• After naps, because almost every puppy wakes up with a full bladder
• After or even mid-way through playtime, especially if they’ve been running around or getting excited for a while
• Before bed, to set both of you up for a better night
• Every 1–2 hours in between, especially during the first few weeks

It may feel like you’re constantly going outside, but this is the part that really matters. The more chances your puppy has to succeed outdoors, the fewer accidents you’ll be cleaning up indoors.

Over time, you can slowly stretch the time between potty breaks. But early on, it’s better to take your puppy out too often than not often enough.

As you settle into a routine, you’ll also start to notice patterns with your puppy — when they typically need to go, how they signal it, and what their natural rhythm looks like. This awareness makes everything easier and eventually helps you stay one step ahead of accidents.

Step 2: Choose One Potty Spot and Keep Going Back

This is one of those simple tips that makes a big difference.

Try to bring your puppy to the same potty area every time. It does not need to be fancy. A small patch of grass, a quiet corner of the yard, or one consistent outdoor spot is enough.

Using the same spot helps because your puppy starts to recognize the scent and associate that area with going potty. Over time, it becomes part of the routine.

When you get there, keep things calm and boring. This is not the time for play, greetings, or wandering around the whole yard.

Give your puppy a few minutes, use the same simple phrase each time if you’d like — something like “go potty” — and then reward them immediately once they go.

Step 3: Reward Immediately After Your Puppy Goes

Timing matters so much here.

The moment your puppy finishes going potty in the right place, praise them and give a small treat right away.

Not once you’re back inside. Not after you walk across the yard. Right away.

That immediate reward helps your puppy understand, “Oh, this is what they wanted me to do.”

You don’t need to make it dramatic. Calm, happy praise and a small treat are perfect. The goal is to make the right behavior very clear and very rewarding.

Step 4: Supervise Indoors More Than You Think You Need To

Most potty training accidents happen because puppies are given too much freedom too soon.

And honestly, it’s easy to do. You look away for one minute, answer one email, unload the dishwasher, and suddenly there’s a puddle in the hallway.

During the early stages of potty training, your puppy should be close enough that you can actually see what they’re doing.

Watch for signs like:

• Sniffing the floor more intensely than usual
• Circling
• Wandering away from you
• Suddenly stopping play
• Going toward a corner, rug, hallway, or another quiet spot

If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Take your puppy outside right away.

If you cannot actively supervise your puppy, use a crate, puppy pen, gated-off area, or another small safe space. This is not punishment. It’s structure, and it helps your puppy build better habits.

Step 5: Use Crate Training Thoughtfully (More on This Below)

A properly sized crate can be incredibly helpful for potty training because most dogs naturally avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep.

Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be so large that they can potty in one corner and sleep in another.

When used correctly, a crate can help your puppy learn bladder control, settle into a routine, and avoid unsupervised accidents around the house.

Crate training should always feel calm, safe, and positive. Your puppy should never feel like the crate is a punishment.

Step 6: Handle Accidents Calmly

Accidents are going to happen. They are part of potty training.

When they do, try not to react dramatically — even if you are tired, frustrated, or very much not in the mood to clean the floor again.

If you catch your puppy in the act, calmly interrupt them and take them outside. If they finish outside, praise and reward them.

If you find the accident after the fact, just clean it up thoroughly.

An enzyme cleaner is best because it helps remove the smell your puppy may otherwise return to later.

What you do not want to do is punish your puppy, yell, or rub their nose in it. That does not teach them what to do instead. It usually just makes them confused or nervous about going potty near you.

Step 7: Don’t Give Too Much Freedom Too Quickly

This is a big one.

Once your puppy has a few good days, it’s tempting to think, “Great, they’ve got it!” and suddenly let them roam the whole house.

But potty training progress is not always perfectly linear. A puppy can have several accident-free days and then still have a mistake if the routine changes, they get too excited, or they’re allowed into a room they haven’t learned yet.

Try expanding freedom slowly.

Start with one room or one small area where you can supervise well. Once your puppy is reliable there, gradually allow access to more space.

This makes potty training clearer and less overwhelming for your puppy — and a lot less frustrating for you.

Bonus Step: Train Your Puppy to Ring a Bell to Go Outside

If you want to make potty training even clearer for your puppy (and you!), teaching them to ring a low-hanging bell at the door is a fantastic option.

Instead of guessing when your puppy needs to go out, they learn a simple way to tell you.

How to train your puppy to use a potty bell (full guide here)

1. Hang a small, low-hanging bell or set of bells on the door you use for potty breaks. 
2. Every time you take your puppy outside, gently guide them to touch or nudge the bell with their nose first.
3. As soon as the bell rings, door opens, outside potty break happens.
4. Over time, your puppy will start to connect the dots: bell = outside = potty = reward.

I’ll never forget the first time our dachshund puppy, Django, rang his potty bell on his own. He quietly walked over to our NYC apartment door, sat down, and banged the bell with his little doxie nose. For a little while after that, he also started using the bell anytime he just wanted to go outside… but we’ll save that story for another article 🙃

And remember, your puppy won’t understand what the bell means at first. That is totally normal! Like everything else in puppy training, learning the skill will take a little time and repetition.

Crate Training a Puppy at Night (and During the Day)

Crate training is one of the most helpful tools when it comes to potty training a puppy, especially in the early weeks. 

And while many people think of crate training mainly for nighttime, a crate can be helpful during the day too. It gives your puppy a safe and quiet place to rest, helps prevent accidents when you cannot fully supervise, and encourages a more consistent routine.

Puppies naturally try not to go to the bathroom where they sleep, which is why a properly set up crate can help them start to build better bladder control.

When crate training is especially helpful

• At night, when your puppy is learning to sleep longer stretches without accidents
• During the day, when your puppy needs a safe, calm place for a nap or quiet time
• When you cannot supervise closely, which helps prevent accidents and keeps your puppy safely contained

How to choose the right crate size

Crate size matters for potty training. Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can go potty in one corner and sleep in another.

For growing puppies, a crate with a divider is especially helpful. This lets you start with a smaller space while your puppy is tiny, then gradually expand the crate as they grow.

How to Potty Train a Puppy in an Apartment

Potty training a puppy in an apartment can be a little trickier, mostly because getting outside takes longer. If you have to walk down a hallway, wait for an elevator, go through a lobby, or get to a designated potty area, those extra minutes matter. Time is of the essence.

Apartment potty training tips:

• Carry your puppy outside when needed. If your puppy is very young or clearly about to go, carrying them can help prevent accidents in the hallway, elevator, or lobby.
• Use the same route and potty spot whenever possible. Repetition helps your puppy understand the routine faster. If you live in a busy city, try to find a spot under an awning or some kind of covered area so rainy days don’t completely disrupt that routine.
• Keep potty trips focused. Puppies can get distracted by people, dogs, smells, and sounds — especially in busy buildings. Try to avoid too many interactions until after your puppy has gone potty.
• Plan ahead after meals and naps. Do not wait until your puppy is already frantic. Try to beat the accident before it happens.

If your puppy is still small, not fully vaccinated yet, or easily distracted, a dog carrier bag can make apartment potty training much easier. It allows you to quickly and calmly bring your puppy to a safe outdoor spot without stopping, sniffing, or risking accidents along the way. Because puppies naturally try not to soil their “safe spaces,” being carried in a snug carrier can also help prevent those hallway or elevator accidents.

What Dog Breeds Are Hardest to Potty Train?

Every puppy is different, but some breeds (and breed groups) are generally more challenging when it comes to potty training. This usually comes down to a mix of bladder size, independence, and temperament—not intelligence.

Breeds that tend to take a bit longer include:

• Dachshunds, because they’re independent, clever, and not always motivated to follow a routine (they tend to do things on their own terms)
• Toy and small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Maltese, since they have smaller bladders and physically need more frequent potty breaks
• Terriers like Jack Russell Terriers and Westies, which are often busy, alert, and easily distracted—making it harder to stay focused during potty time
• Scent-driven hounds like Beagles or Basset Hounds, because following smells can easily take priority over what you’re trying to accomplish outside

On the other hand, breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies often pick up potty training more quickly—not because they’re “smarter,” but because they tend to be more routine-oriented and eager to work with their people.

The most important thing to remember: a breed may be more challenging, but no breed is “untrainable.” With consistency, patience, and a clear routine, every puppy can learn.

How to Potty Train a Dachshund Puppy

If you have a dachshund puppy, it’s worth saying this upfront: Dachshunds can be notoriously hard to potty train. And if it’s taking longer than you expected, you are not doing anything wrong.

Dachshunds are incredibly smart, but they are also independent, determined, and not always in a rush to do what you want them to do. This is part of what makes them so funny and lovable — and also part of what can make potty training a little more challenging.

Compared with a highly handler-focused breed like a Border Collie, many dachshunds need extra repetition, extra patience, and a very consistent routine.

A few dachshund-specific potty training tips:

• Do not stretch time between potty breaks too quickly. Even if your dachshund puppy seems to be improving, give it more time before assuming they can hold it for much longer.
• Be extra consistent with your schedule. Dachshunds tend to do best when the routine is very clear and predictable.
• Keep outdoor potty breaks boring. Dachshunds love to sniff, explore, and investigate, which can distract them from the whole reason you went outside.
• Reward immediately and enthusiastically. Make it very clear when they get it right.
• Be patient with setbacks. A few accidents do not mean you’re back at square one.

Because dachshunds are long-backed dogs, it’s also important to make outdoor potty trips safe and comfortable. A lightweight, properly fitting dachshund harness is usually a better choice than pulling on a collar, especially for puppies who are still learning leash manners.

Should You Use Puppy Pads?

Puppy pads can be helpful in some situations, but they can also make potty training a little confusing depending on your end goal.

If you ultimately want your puppy to go potty outside, going straight outside is the clearest path. Your puppy learns one rule: potty happens outdoors.

That said, puppy pads may make sense if:

• You live in a high-rise apartment and cannot get outside quickly enough during the earliest weeks
• Your puppy is not fully vaccinated and your outdoor area is not safe or private
• Your veterinarian recommends limiting exposure to public spaces temporarily
• Your puppy is extremely young and physically cannot hold it long enough yet

If you do use puppy pads, try to be intentional. Place them in one consistent area and transition outdoors gradually when the time is right.

The biggest thing is to avoid constantly changing the rules. Puppies learn faster when expectations are simple and consistent.

Common Puppy Potty Training Mistakes

If potty training feels harder than expected, one of these common issues may be getting in the way.

Waiting Too Long Between Potty Breaks

This is probably the most common mistake. Puppies need to go out often, especially at the beginning. If accidents are happening regularly, try shortening the time between potty breaks for a while.

Rewarding Too Late

If you reward your puppy once you’re back inside, they probably will not understand what the reward was for. Bring treats outside with you and reward immediately after they go.

Giving Too Much Freedom Indoors

A puppy who has access to the whole house can sneak off and have accidents before you even notice. Smaller spaces and closer supervision make potty training much easier.

Changing the Routine Too Often

Puppies learn through repetition. If the potty spot, schedule, or expectations keep changing, it can take longer for them to understand.

Getting Frustrated After Setbacks

Setbacks are normal. Growth spurts, new environments, weather, excitement, and schedule changes can all lead to accidents.

When that happens, simply go back to the basics: more frequent potty breaks, closer supervision, and lots of rewards for getting it right.

Helpful Puppy Products That Make Potty Training Easier

You truly do not need a million things to potty train a puppy.

But a few thoughtfully chosen puppy products can make those early weeks easier, especially when you’re trying to get outside quickly, prevent accidents, and keep your puppy safe before they’re ready for longer walks or busier public spaces.

When Will My Puppy Stop Having Accidents?

This is the question every new puppy owner asks at some point. The honest answer is: it depends.

Your puppy may understand the idea of potty training fairly quickly but still have occasional accidents for weeks or even months while their body matures and their routine becomes more reliable. Remember, most puppies don’t have complete control of their bladders until they are around 4-6 months old.

A good sign your puppy is making progress is that accidents become less frequent, your puppy starts going more quickly once outside, and you begin to notice clearer signals when they need to go.

If your puppy was doing well and suddenly starts having frequent accidents again, consider whether something changed. A new schedule, new food, more freedom indoors, bad weather, excitement, stress, or even a medical issue can all play a role.

If accidents suddenly increase or your puppy seems to be urinating unusually often, it’s always smart to check with your veterinarian.

Final Thoughts: How to Potty Train a Puppy Successfully

The best way to potty train a puppy is to keep the routine simple and repeat it consistently.

Take your puppy out often. Use the same potty spot. Reward immediately. Supervise closely indoors. Clean accidents calmly. And do not assume setbacks mean you’ve failed.

Whether you have an easygoing Golden Retriever puppy, a tiny Yorkie puppy, a stubborn dachshund puppy, or a dog who seems to forget the plan every other day, patience is key.

Your puppy will get there. And one day soon, you’ll realize you haven’t cleaned up an accident in a while, and all those early trips outside were worth it.

Potty Training a Puppy: FAQ