Potty Train Your Puppy in Just One Week!

 

You may be one of the many struggling to get your puppy to consistently go outside, fear not! Below are 5 tips to get you and your new best friend going (in the right place!) 

1. Don’t Bring Your Puppy Inside Right After They Go Potty

One of the biggest reasons puppies have accidents inside after going outside is that they didn’t fully empty their bladder or bowels the first time. Especially in the first 4 to 8 weeks, puppies may need to go multiple times in a row. After your puppy goes number one or two outside, don’t bring them inside immediately. Wait patiently to see if they need to go again.

Why it works: Puppies are still learning bladder control and may not fully release the first time. Bringing them straight inside gives them the chance to accidentally pee again.

Once you bring them back inside, watch them *like a hawk*. Look for early signs like nose to the ground, walking in circles, or restlessness, and take them outside again immediately.

2. Never Allow Accidents in the Crate

Puppies are naturally averse to soiling their sleeping area, so their crate can be a powerful potty-training tool if used correctly. The key is ensuring they don’t have accidents there in the first place.

- Take your puppy outside **every 1 to 4 hours**, depending on their age and size.

- Wake your puppy every 2 to 4 hours during the night to take them out—don’t wait for them to cry.

- Use an appropriately sized crate—too large and they may potty in one area and sleep in another; just right encourages them to hold it.

This disciplined approach can be tough but works incredibly well to teach bladder control and crate reliability.

3. Limit Your Puppy’s Freedom Indoors

Until your puppy is reliably potty trained, limit their roaming space inside the house.

- Use baby gates or playpens to confine your puppy to a few rooms where you can supervise closely.

- Keeping your puppy’s environment small helps catch early signs of needing to potty and reduces the chance for accidents when you’re not watching.

- Give them access only to areas you feel comfortable cleaning easily if accidents happen.

4. Distinguish Between Potty Time and Playtime

Puppies love being outside, which can make it tricky to identify whether they need to potty or just want to play.

- Create a routine where potty breaks have a calm, straightforward vibe.

- Give treats and positive reinforcement *only* for potty behavior.

- Avoid over-exciting your puppy during potty breaks so they learn the difference between going to the bathroom and going outside to play.

5. Never Punish Your Puppy for Accidents

Accidents happen. It’s part of the learning process, especially when young puppies lack bladder control.

- If there’s an accident, calmly take your puppy outside to finish, then clean the area with enzymatic cleaners to remove odors and discourage repeat accidents there.

- Avoid yelling, rubbing their nose in it, or harsh punishments—that only causes fear and confusion, slowing down the training process.

- Remember, it’s *your responsibility* as a pet parent to manage the environment and recognize your puppy’s signs.

Potty training your puppy doesn’t have to be stressful or drawn out. With consistent effort, lots of supervision, and these five unique hacks, you can teach your puppy to go outside in as little as one week! Puppies thrive with structure and understanding, so give yourself grace and remember — every accident is an opportunity to learn what works best for your furry friend. If you’re ready to take on this challenge armed with clear, actionable steps, you’ll have a potty-trained pup before you know it!