Housebreaking your dog is a critical step in integrating a new puppy into your home and establishing a harmonious relationship. This training process involves teaching your puppy where and when it’s appropriate to go to the bathroom, a task that requires patience, consistency, and the right strategies. While it can be a challenging journey, successful housebreaking is achievable with a clear plan and positive reinforcement. Early and effective training not only helps maintain cleanliness and order in your home but also strengthens the bond between you and your puppy. This article will guide you through the essentials of housebreaking your dog, offering practical tips and evidence-based techniques to ensure a smooth and stress-free training process. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or looking to brush up on your puppy training skills, these insights will pave the way for a well-trained and happy canine companion.
Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Getting a new pet is always fun and exciting. Puppies are not only absolutely adorable, they’re also lots of fun. Of course, you’ll have quite a lot of work to handle that first year. One of the biggest things on your agenda? Housebreaking. Read on for some helpful tips from a local veterinarian.
Go All-In
Potty training your pet will take up quite a bit of time … in the short run. Once your canine pal is fully trained, you’ll be able to scale back to regular walks. For now, though, plan to walk little Fido quite a bit.
How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?
While some dogs mature more quickly than others, there are a few rules of thumb you can go by. The easiest way to remember it is to go by your canine pal’s age. Puppies can generally hold it for just about an hour for every month of their age. Therefore, a two-month-old pooch will need to go out about every two hours, while a three-month-old puppy should go out every three—or at most four—hours. By the time Fido is about seven months old, he’ll be able to hold it for seven hours.
You’ll want to immediately take little Fido outdoors if you see any indications that he needs to go. You may see your puppy sniffing his rear or turning in circles. He may also start sniffing the ground. This is usually a sign that a pooch is picking the perfect spot to do his business. Squatting, of course, is also a giveaway, but you may already be too late by that point.
Once your pet starts to get the hang of it, he may also bark or scratch at the door. Some dogs will paw at you, whine, or give you that ‘I gotta go’ look.
We also would recommend walking your pet at the following times:
- After Meals
- Before Bed
- In The Morning
- Before You Leave/Come Back
- When You See Signs
Also, keep in mind that, in general, big dogs can hold it longer than small breeds. Ask your vet for more information.
Hit The Same Spot
When it comes to training dogs, consistency is always key. With potty training, it’s important for you to make the process of going outside as routine as possible. Try to go to the same spot every time. If you are in an apartment and need to walk, use the same route. This will help Fido ‘mark’ his territory with his scent.
Be Prepared
Always keep a leash handy. You may want to hang one at the door. That way, you’ll be able to get your little buddy outside as soon as he indicates having to go.
Keep Your Puppy On A Consistent Feeding Schedules
This one isn’t just important for potty training: it’s also just good for general pet care purposes. Dogs always feel more secure when they are on a steady schedule. However, as far as housebreaking goes, this helps keep things on a set schedule.
Monitor Fido’s Water Intake
If Fido slurps up half of the contents of his water bowl in one go, he’ll probably need to go shortly after. If you see your pooch drinking a lot of water, take him out right after.
Take Lots Of Walks
As your pet gets into the swing of things, he’ll begin to associate walks with relieving himself. For now, you may have to spend a bit more time outdoors than you will down the road. Basically, you’ll need to stay out until little Fido relieves himself. As soon as he does, heap him with loads of praise and offer a treat.
Keep Up The Pawsitive Reinforcement
We always advocate using a system that focuses on rewards rather than punishment when training animals. That means praising and petting little Fido and offering him treats every time he does his business outdoors. Eventually, you’ll be able to scale back. For now, you just want your pet to understand that going outside will make you happy and will earn him love, attention, and treats… all of which are some of his favorite things.
Crate Train
Crate training is highly effective when paired with housebreaking your dog. Dogs naturally try to avoid eliminating in the same spot where they eat and sleep. Who can blame them? Little Fido may not be bothered if he makes a mess in the kitchen and then goes to play in the living room, but he won’t be thrilled about soiling his bed.
The key with crate training is that you have to be sure you’re doing it properly. Many dogs feel secure and comfy in their crates. You want Fido to think of his crate as his safe little den … not a jail cell. Adding bedding and toys can go a long way here.
Crate training should also happen in stages. At first, just give Fido toys, treats, and attention near his crate. Next, you can toss toys or treats into it for him. You can start to feed him in the crate as well. Eventually, you’ll move up to closing the door while your pooch is eating. Ask your vet for training tips.
A word on choosing crates? If your canine pal is expected to grow quite a bit, get a crate that will still fit him in a year. Otherwise, you’ll be upgrading within a few months.
Don’t Get Upset Over Messes
Dogs are wonderful pets, but they aren’t perfect. Even fully housebroken dogs have accidents from time to time. That’s normal. If little Fido makes a mistake, don’t punish him. If you happen to see it, you can reprimand him in a stern voice. However, anything more than that may just confuse and frighten the little guy.
Have Cleaning Supplies On Hand
Be prepared to pick up after the little guy, especially until he is fully trained. You’ll want to get a product that doesn’t contain ammonia, which will only reinforce the smell of urine. Bleach also won’t cut it. An enzyme-based cleaning product is your best bet. It may also be a good idea to get a good rug shampooer, even if it’s just a small handheld one.
Moving Forward
Once your pet has the basics down, you can start taking him to new places. Going to parks and trails can also be great for socialization! You’ll also need to get your furry pal used to going outdoors in various situations, such as when it’s dark or rainy. Keep training treats on hand, and don’t forget to praise your four-legged pal.
Think Twice About Pee Pads
Housebreaking your dog can be more manageable with the use of pee pads. These products are specifically designed to help train your dog to eliminate in an appropriate area, reducing messes around the home. The idea is that first the puppy learns to use the pad, then they learn to go outside. These can be helpful in some circumstances. For instance, if you know you’ll be out longer than usual, it may not be a bad idea to put one down. However, these could just confuse your pet, and actually make the house training process take longer. Ask your vet for information on these.
Essential Timing Tips for Housebreaking Your Dog in 2025
How long can dogs typically hold it during daytime vs. nighttime?
Dogs’ ability to hold their bladder during the day and night varies with age and development. Typically, a rule of thumb is an hour for each month of the puppy’s age during the day. So, a two-month-old puppy might need to go every two hours. At night, many dogs can hold it longer as they are less active and their bodily functions slow down. By seven months, many puppies can last seven hours or more overnight, provided they’ve been properly housebroken and have a consistent routine.
What should you do if a dog consistently soils their crate?
If a dog consistently soils their crate, it suggests that crate training may not be properly implemented or the crate is not the right size. Ensure the crate is only large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. Reevaluate the feeding and walking schedule to avoid accidents. Frequent, consistent outings are necessary, especially after eating and drinking. If the problem persists, consider consulting a veterinarian to rule out medical issues or to seek advice on further behavioral training techniques.
Should you use paper training/potty pads?
Paper training or potty pads can be a practical solution in certain situations, such as when extended indoor stays are necessary or in living environments lacking immediate outdoor access. However, they may prolong the housebreaking process, as they teach the puppy it’s acceptable to eliminate indoors. It’s generally advisable to train puppies to go outside from the start to avoid mixed signals. Always consult with a veterinarian or a professional trainer to tailor the training approach to the specific needs of the puppy and the living situation.
Why do some dogs refuse to go outside but then go immediately after coming back in?
Some dogs may resist going outside due to anxiety, discomfort from the outdoor environment, or past negative experiences, which can override their need to relieve themselves. Once they return indoors, where they feel safer and more comfortable, their immediate need to eliminate becomes the priority, leading them to go soon after re-entering the house. Consistent, positive reinforcement and creating a reassuring routine for outdoor trips can help mitigate this behavior by associating outside with positive experiences.
Is it spite/revenge when dogs mess in the house while owners are away?
No, dogs do not mess in the house out of spite or revenge. These are complex emotions that dogs aren’t capable of experiencing in the way humans understand them. When a dog has an accident in the house, particularly when left alone, it is more likely due to anxiety, inadequate training, or simply because they haven’t yet learned to hold it until they can go outside. Effective housebreaking involves consistent routine, positive reinforcement, and understanding that accidents are a normal part of the training process.
Make An Appointment At Our Veterinary Clinic
Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Please feel free to reach out to us for all of your canine pal’s veterinary care needs. We are always here to help!
