How to toilet train a puppy
House training is about lots of chances to go outside, perfect timing with rewards and staying calm about accidents. Here's a routine that works.
- Time
- A few weeks to a few months
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Small, tasty treats Search Amazon for puppy training treats
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents Search Amazon for enzyme pet stain cleaner
- Poo bags Search Amazon for dog poo bags
- A playpen or crate (optional) Search Amazon for puppy playpen
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Don't withhold water or food to control toileting. It's bad for your puppy's health and welfare, and you have a legal duty to meet their needs.
- Never rub a puppy's nose in an accident.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Pick a toilet spot
Choose a spot in the garden and take your puppy to the same place every time. The smell helps them learn that's where to go.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Take them out often
Take your puppy out after waking, after eating or drinking, after play, and whenever they get excited, plus first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Young puppies need to go very frequently.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Learn the signs
Watch for sniffing the floor, circling, heading for the door or starting to squat. When you see these, calmly take your puppy outside straight away.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Reward the moment they finish
Stay with your puppy. As soon as they've been, praise them and give a tasty treat right there. Timing matters: rewarding once you're back inside is too late.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Stay calm about accidents
If your puppy goes indoors, don't tell them off; it can make them scared to toilet in front of you and they'll hide it. Just take them outside, and clean the spot with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Plan for nights
Puppies generally don't like to soil where they sleep, so they may whine at night when they need to go. Take them out quietly, then straight back to bed.
Tips
- Keep to a regular routine for meals and outings.
- Supervise closely indoors, or use a playpen when you can't watch.
- Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can smell like urine to a dog.
When to call a professional
If an older or previously trained dog starts having accidents, or your puppy strains, goes very often or has blood in urine or poo, see your vet. For ongoing problems, ask about a qualified, reward-based trainer or behaviourist.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
Every puppy is different. Most get there in weeks to months with consistency.
Should I use puppy pads?
They can help if you live in a flat, but they can teach the puppy that indoors is fine. Move towards going outside as soon as you can.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Dogs Trust: How to toilet train your puppy (dogstrust.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-toilet-train-a-puppy/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.