Best way to train a puppy to pee outside
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“Recently adopted a new puppy and this gave very clear instructions on how to train him. Amazing interface too!” - Fabian
We’ve helped thousands of puppy parents teach their dogs how to go potty outside with our Pocket Puppy School app.
Potty training is the most common problem owners have. It is nothing to be ashamed of if your dog does this too.
But, as all of our success shows, this problem is also easily solvable.
Here is a short 10 minute guide on how you too can solve this problem. Check out the Pocket Puppy School app for a more thorough guide.
How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy?
Now, even though this guide takes only 10 minutes to read - the time it will take to train your puppy is longer.
Some only need a week, some need months and some maybe even a year to fully housebreak their dogs. It all depends on you and your pup - you two are unique.
The most deciding factor however is: how much time do you have?
If you have to be at work all day every day, then you are going to miss out on all of the opportunities to teach your dog.
You can’t really expect dogs to somehow open up YouTube and learn how to do this by themselves. You are the hero of this story - you have to be there.
How do you potty train a puppy?
The answer is straight forward, practical and in all honesty, super simple.
In short: Make it really easy for you to monitor your dog. Take your dog out when it’s the right time and praise when things go right and finally, make a schedule.
That’s all you really need to potty train your dog.
Dog’s easily understand the fact that you shouldn’t pee and poo where you live. And once you show your dog where to go potty, it will seem like something “clicks” in your puppy’s head.
Steps to housebreak your puppy
We’ve broken down the process into 5 steps.
There are no magic pills here, just plain-old practical tips. Feel free to follow them however you’d like.
Make it easy for you to supervise your dog
First, you want to set yourself up for success. And you can do that by making it super easy for you to keep an eye on your dog.
Reduce the space where your dog can run off to, by closing the doors. If you don’t have any doors then you can buy a puppy fence. If you don’t want to buy a fence then you can even DIY something to block access to stairs or other areas in your home.
The point in the end is to always have your puppy near you.
This will enable you to notice even the slightest change in your dog’s behaviour, and it will enable you to act fast.
2. React correctly
There’re 3 possible scenarios where you might find yourself. Before the “accident”, during it and of course, after it has occured.
1 - Before the accident.
If you notice your dog acting different and think that your dog wants to go potty, then just take your dog out.
If you make it out then just follow the next tip to give positive feedback.
2 - During the accident.
If you find your dog squatting down, then only real chance you have to stopping anything is saying a loud and clear "STOP!".
In the best case scenario, your dog will be taken aback and you'll win yourself a few seconds to take your dog out and continue.
But don't blame your dog or yourself if you can't stop the accident.
3 - After the accident.
If you do find an accident on the floor, don't get angry. Try and think how you could avoid this accident in the future.
Remember to still take your dog out, as dogs need to potty multiple times in one occasion.
3. Calm walk outside
A very simple plan, once you make it outside, is to try and have a calm walk.
Try to keep running and playing to a minimum. Look for a path that doesn’t have any big distractions. Try and avoid touching, talking and even looking at your dog to keep things as boring as possible.
If your dog is calm, then there’s almost no reason why your dog can’t go potty.
4. Positive feedback
Once your pup does the deed - put on a smile, give a few happy words and head scratches, if your pup likes them.
This is the moment where you can associate the action with positive emotions.
This will engrave the thought of “This is correct” into your dog’s memory.
5. Make a schedule
And finally, write down all of your successes and failures.
Keep track of the times of the day when your pup starts to get restless and plan your day accordingly.
Once your dog knows where to potty, gets older and doesn’t need to go potty as often, can you develop an easier rhythm of going out.
For grown dogs, we recommend going out 4 times every day - in the morning, lunch, after work and before bed.
But until your pup is still a pup, keep putting in the work and don’t give up!
Remember to check out the Pocket Puppy School app for a more complete (and free) dog training course.
