Bringing a puppy home is one of life’s great joys—but it also comes with a few… challenges. Right up there at the top? Toilet training. Whether you’re welcoming an eight-week-old bundle of fluff or adopting a slightly older pup, helping them learn where to go (and where not to go) is one of your first and most important jobs.
The good news is: with patience, consistency, and a calm approach, your puppy will get there—and probably quicker than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set your pup up for success from day one.
Why Toilet Training Matters
Toilet training isn’t just about keeping your carpets clean (though that’s certainly a perk). It’s about setting boundaries, building trust, and helping your puppy feel confident and secure in their new environment. Dogs naturally like to keep their living space clean—so toilet training taps into a behaviour that already makes sense to them.
Getting it right early on can help prevent accidents, reduce stress (for both of you), and create a calm home where everyone knows what’s expected. It also builds the foundation for other types of training down the line.
The First 24 Hours
The first day with your puppy is about more than cuddles—it’s when you start building routines that last.
Set Up a Safe Toilet Area
As soon as you bring your puppy home, take them straight to their designated toilet area. This could be a quiet patch of grass in your garden or a specific spot outdoors. If you live in a flat or don’t have a garden, plan for frequent outdoor trips or set up a temporary indoor toilet area using puppy pads.
Let your pup sniff around, explore, and (hopefully) relieve themselves. Praise them gently and warmly if they do—it’s your first opportunity to reinforce the behaviour you want.
Keep Trips Frequent
For the first 24 hours (and for a few weeks after), take your puppy to their toilet spot:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals or drinks
- After naps
- After play
- Before bed
- Every 1–2 hours in between
Yes, that’s a lot of trips—but it really does work. Think of it as an investment in a dry, stress-free future!
Step-by-Step Toilet Training Routine
Let’s break the process down into simple, repeatable steps.
Step 1: Pick Your Toilet Spot
Choose one toilet area outside and stick to it. Familiar smells will encourage your puppy to go there again. Avoid busy, noisy areas—puppies can be easily distracted.
Step 2: Supervise Closely
Until your puppy is trained, you’ll need to keep an eye on them whenever they’re out and about in the house. Use baby gates or a playpen to keep them in sight. If they start sniffing, circling, or squatting—scoop them up and whisk them outside.
Step 3: Create a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Feed your puppy at regular times and stick to a toilet schedule. A consistent feeding routine helps you predict when they’ll need to go.
Here’s a sample day for a young puppy:
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00 am | Wake up + toilet trip |
| 7:15 am | Breakfast |
| 7:30 am | Toilet trip |
| 9:00 am | Nap |
| 9:30 am | Toilet trip |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch + toilet trip |
| 1:00 pm | Playtime |
| 1:30 pm | Toilet trip |
| 3:00 pm | Nap |
| 3:30 pm | Toilet trip |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner + toilet trip |
| 7:30 pm | Toilet trip |
| 9:00 pm | Wind-down + toilet trip |
| 11:00 pm | Final toilet trip |
Adjust this to suit your pup’s age and needs—but keep it predictable.
Step 4: Praise the Wins
When your puppy gets it right, let them know! Gentle praise in a happy tone is enough—“Good wee!” or “Well done!” with a soft fuss will do nicely. You can use a small treat if you like, but it’s not essential.
Praise as they go, not after—timing is everything.
Step 5: Handle Accidents Calmly
Accidents will happen, even with the best routine. When they do:
- Don’t punish. Telling off a puppy can make them anxious—and more likely to sneak off and go in secret.
- Stay calm. Gently interrupt if you catch them in the act—say “Uh-uh” or “Outside,” then take them to their toilet area.
- Clean thoroughly. Use an enzyme cleaner (readily available in pet shops) to remove all scent and prevent repeat visits to the same spot.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even the most loving owners can slip into these common traps:
1. Waiting Too Long Between Toilet Trips
Puppies have tiny bladders. Don’t expect them to hold it for long—even at 12 weeks old, they may only manage 1–2 hours.
2. Letting Accidents Slide
It’s easy to think, “Oh well, it’s only a little one.” But each accident is a missed opportunity to reinforce the right behaviour.
3. Using the Wrong Cleaner
Household sprays often contain ammonia, which smells like wee to a dog and may encourage repeat accidents. Enzyme cleaners break down odours properly.
4. Overreacting
Shouting or scolding can lead to fear or confusion. Puppies don’t associate your anger with what happened unless you catch them mid-wee. Even then, calm redirection is far more effective.
5. Inconsistent Routines
Feeding, playing, napping, and toileting should happen in a predictable rhythm. It builds your pup’s confidence—and makes life easier for you, too.
FAQs
How long does toilet training take?
Most puppies get the hang of it within a few weeks, but full reliability (especially overnight) can take several months. Stay patient and consistent—it will come.
Should I use puppy pads?
If you can take your puppy outside regularly, it’s best to skip pads and go straight to outdoor training. Pads can be useful in flats or during the night, but try to phase them out early to avoid confusion.
What about night-time?
Young puppies often need one or two toilet trips during the night. Set an alarm or listen out for stirring. Keep things calm—no play, no fuss, just out and back to bed.
Is crate training helpful?
Yes—when used properly. A crate can help encourage clean habits, as dogs don’t like to toilet where they sleep. Just make sure it’s the right size and not used for too long.
My puppy keeps weeing indoors even after going outside—why?
This is often down to excitement or nerves. Make toilet trips quiet and boring—no playtime until they’ve been. Stay outside a bit longer next time and praise only when they go.
In Summary
Toilet training is one of your first big milestones as a new puppy parent—and it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. But with the right approach, it can be a calm and even enjoyable part of the bonding process.
Here’s a quick recap:
✅ Take your puppy out often (at least every 1–2 hours to start)
✅ Stick to a consistent routine
✅ Pick a designated toilet area
✅ Praise when they go in the right place
✅ Stay calm during accidents
✅ Be patient—it does get easier
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Every puppy is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula—but the steps above will work for most dogs, most of the time. Trust the process, stay positive, and know you’re doing a great job.
If you found this guide helpful, please leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how things are going with your pup! You can also share this post with another new puppy parent who might need a hand.
Happy training—and give your pup a belly rub from us! 🐾