How Long Does It Take To Potty Train a Puppy?

Did you know that most puppies are able to control their bladders for one hour for every month that they age?

Even though there is a lot you might need to learn about taking care of a puppy, it is exciting to welcome a new pet into your home. One of the first things you will need to do is figure out is puppy potty training.

If you've been wondering how long does it take to potty train a puppy, we've written a guide to help you out. Keep reading and we will fill you in on everything that you need to know.

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy?

It can take up to six months to completely house-train your puppy. But keep in mind that there are many different factors that will determine how long it takes.

For example, smaller puppy breeds will have smaller bladders. They will also metabolize food more quickly. This means that they need to go to the bathroom more often.

You should also take into account your puppy's past living situation when you are trying to figure out how long potty training will take.

If you are adopting your puppy from a previous owner who already got started with their puppy training, it will probably take much less than six months to completely house-train your puppy.

Lastly, keep in mind that every puppy has a unique personality. Some puppies will quickly learn that they need to go to the bathroom outside.

Others are more stubborn and might require more training time and practice before they are completely potty trained.

Take Small Steps to Potty Train Your Puppy

The best thing you can do if you want to figure out how long it will take to potty train your puppy is to take small steps at first.

Try to take your puppy out for potty breaks every hour or so. Then gradually increase their frequency after they get used to this routine.

Once you know that they are getting the hang of things, you can once again decrease the frequency of their potty breaks.

It is helpful to have somebody who can assist you with taking your puppy out for potty breaks. This is especially important if you have a job or children to take care of.

You'll just need to assure that your helper understands the proper training process. This will assure that they are clear on the expectations.

For example, if you are using pee pads to train your small dog, you should make sure to let your training assistant know.

Potty Training Older Puppies and Dogs

It will probably take between two weeks and two months to potty train an older puppy or younger dog. But how much time it will take will depend on your dog's prior experience with potty training.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to shorten the amount of time that it will take. The most important thing is that you set aside time every day to continue potty training your dog.

If you are not sure whether or not your dog is ready for potty training, you should take notice of their signals. If it looks like they are about to go to the bathroom, don't hesitate to take them outside.

If your dog begins to sniff around or circle around a spot where they have gone to the bathroom before, make sure to take them outside right away.

You'll also know that they need to go to the bathroom if they start squatting or lifting one of their legs while they are walking around or standing.

Your puppy will learn more quickly if you are consistent with your actions. Over time they will learn how to hold it between bathroom breaks. 

When your puppy has an accident, don't get discouraged. This is normal.

And you can take advantage of these opportunities to teach your dog not to go to the bathroom in the house by giving them negative reinforcement.

All you need to do is to say in a stern voice "no! go outside" while you take them outdoors to do their business. When they do good, make sure that you reward them.

The Benefits of Puppy Potty Training

Once you potty train your puppy, you will start saving yourself lots of money, time, and energy. Your puppy will also start to feel more comfortable after doing its business outside.

On top of this, potty-trained puppies tend to have fewer health issues such as urinary tract infections and constipation.

Lastly, you will have the chance to bond with your puppy when you potty train them. It creates a routine that makes life easier for you both.

When to Start Potty Training Your Puppy

It is okay to start training your puppy as soon as you adopt it. The earlier you get started, the better.

It is possible to start potty training your puppy when they are as young as eight weeks old. But younger puppies will learn to go to the bathroom outside more quickly than older dogs.

If you've adopted a full-grown dog that is not potty trained, don't worry. Older puppies and younger dogs are not too old for dog training.

Just remember that it might take more time and effort to train them than it would take to train them if they were younger.

Where to Start Potty Training Your Puppy

You should look for a place to potty train your puppy that is quiet and free from distractions. This is the space where your puppy should spend most of their potty time while they are figuring out what you expect from them.

This location should be far away from people and other animals so that your pet won't get distracted when they are going to the bathroom.

You should also make sure to choose a location that you are not using for other purposes. If you try to train your puppy in a bedroom or an office, it will quickly become cluttered with dog toys and food bowls. 

The best puppy potty training locations have outdoor and indoor doors, such as garages.

Daytime Potty Training: Basic Steps

There are several important steps to follow when potty training your puppy during the daytime.

Make sure that you bring your puppy out to your chosen toilet area right when they wake up in the morning and after they've eaten or drank water. You should also take them outside every hour.

Be ready to wait a little while for your puppy to go to the bathroom because puppies can easily get distracted.

After your puppy goes to the bathroom, offer them a reward. This can include lots of praise and a treat.

Your puppy will become fully potty trained more quickly if you create as many opportunities as possible to praise them for their good behavior.

It is not a good idea to focus too much on punishing your puppy, especially when they have accidents. Keep in mind that it is not their fault that they didn't know where to go to the bathroom. 

You will slow their learning progress if you punish your puppy too severely or too often. It is also possible that you will damage the relationship you are building with them.

All you need to do to let your puppy know that it is not okay to do their business inside is to sternly tell them "no" while carrying them outside or to their pee pads.

The Importance of Having a Toilet Area

It is a good idea to separate the 'play' area of your puppy-proofed outdoor area from the 'toilet' part. To do this, simply fence off an area and make sure to always use it as the toilet.

Your puppy will notice that this area looks and smells differently than the other parts of your yard. Therefore, they will learn how to recognize it as the potty area.

You can start to teach your puppy what the toilet area looks like by making use of pee pads. Pee pads contain materials that absorb moisture.

The best types of pee pads are natural grass pads. These are environmentally friendly and have water-proof layers that will prevent liquids from getting on your floor.

You will also need to focus on keeping your puppy's outdoor bathroom area clean. Take a moment to tend to this area at least every day.

Tips for Shortening How Long it Takes to Potty Train a Puppy

There are several things that you can do if you want to potty train your puppy as quickly as possible. Here are some of the top tips for quickly training your puppy.

Remember to Be Patient

After you've established a toilet area, bring your puppy there as often as you can. Offer them a treat whenever they do their business.

And remember that it is okay if they sniff around and choose not to do their business. You might just need to wait for a few moments longer.

If they still don't want to go to the bathroom, take them inside and spend a few moments carefully watching them. If it still seems like they need

Consider Using a Cue Word

When you are toilet training your puppy, it is a good idea to use a cue word such as "hurry" or "potty" while they are going to the bathroom. You can use this word again in the future when they are in a new location.

Reward Your Pet

It is important to always reward your puppy's successes. The more often that you reward your puppy for doing something right, the faster it will learn to go potty outside.

This means that you'll need to step outside with your puppy every time needs to go to the bathroom. This way, you will be able to see whether or not your pet has actually gone to the bathroom.

Right after your puppy does its business, make sure that you offer it a reward. This will help it to learn that it has done the right thing.

Aim for Consistency

When you are just starting to potty train your puppy, you'll need to focus on creating a consistent schedule. This will help your pet understand what is expected during the potty training process.

You can create a routine by always taking your puppy outside after it wakes up, after it's eaten or drank water, and after it finishes playing.

Quickly Clean Up Messes

Even if you were not there to see your puppy have an accident, quickly clean up their mess without making an issue out of it. It is a good idea to use enzyme-based cleaners instead of household cleaners.

Enzyme-based cleaners will get rid of the smell.

Never Get Angry at Your Puppy

It is not fair to punish your puppy for something that they don't understand. When you catch them having an accident, calmly bring them outside so that they can finish going to the bathroom.

Potty Training a Puppy: How Long Does It Take?

If you've been wondering how long does it take to potty train a puppy, it's important to understand that every puppy is different. But it will usually take several months to teach your pet to go to the bathroom outside.

Are you looking for an easy way to potty train your puppy? If so, we can help you. We sell innovative indoor/outdoor grass pet pads that naturally absorb liquids. Find out more by visiting our online shop.