Potty Training for Puppies : An Easy Guide from The Dog Mamaa
- Gabrielle M
- Nov 2
- 3 min read
Potty training for puppies doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful! Whether you’re bringing home a brand-new puppy or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the essentials to help your puppy succeed.
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Step 1: Set Up Your Puppy’s Potty Space
Choose one of the following options:
Pooch Patch – an indoor grass pad
Outside Designated Area – a quiet spot outdoors
A note about pee pads: If your ultimate goal is for your puppy to potty outside only, I don’t recommend using pee pads. They can make transitioning later tricky and puppies may mistake indoor rugs for pads.
Step 2: Confined Space is Key
Until your puppy is fully potty trained, avoid free roaming to prevent accidents. This will make your life so much easier. Options include:
A gated, puppy-proof room
A playpen
A crate attached to a playpen
Keeping your puppy confined helps them learn the boundaries and develop bladder control.
Step 3: Set a Potty Schedule
Puppies can usually hold their bladder for hours equal to their age in months. For example, a 4-month-old puppy will need a potty break roughly every 4 hours.
Tips to keep them on track:
Take your puppy out after waking, eating, drinking, or playing.
Extra excitement or changes in schedule (guests, trips to a friend’s house) can make them forget — watch closely!
Logging apps like Doggytime help track your puppy’s day and remind you when it’s potty time.
Potty training routine:
Stand still with your puppy on a leash, on a quiet designated potty spot
Use a consistent cue, like “go potty.”
Wait 2–5 minutes, still & boring
Reward your puppy once they finish.
If they don’t go, bring them back inside, keep them close or in a crate, and try again in 10 minutes - don't let them free roam!
Step 4: What to Do When Accidents Happen
Accidents are normal - prevention is key! While they can't control it, it's up to us to pre emptively take them outside for potty time.
Watch for sniffing, circling, or lowering the bum - these are signs they need to go.
Avoid scolding, clapping, or punishing - this can make them afraid to potty in your presence, which creates a bigger issue later on walks
Calmly guide them to their potty area.
Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleanser; regular cleaners won’t fully remove the scent for your puppy.
FAQs
Q: My puppy won’t go potty outside. What do I do?A: This is common! Start with a quiet, safe spot to build confidence. You may even need to carry them there initially. If absolutely terrified, opt for a pooch patch indoors to still reinforce going potty on grass.
Q: Should I wake my puppy from a nap to go potty?A: No , puppies need lots of sleep. Take them out as soon as they naturally wake up.
Q: My puppy can’t hold it the full time expected. Is something wrong?A: Check how much they’re eating and drinking. Adjust as needed and cut off water a few hours before bedtime to prevent overnight accidents.
Q: My puppy plays with their pooch patch. What now?A: Block access to the patch except during potty time , this teaches them its purpose.
Q: I’ve started pee pad training. How do I transition outside?A: Gradually move the pad closer to your door or a quiet outdoor spot. You can even bring a used pad outside to help your puppy associate the scent with going potty (a bit gross but it works!)
Need Personalized Puppy Guidance?
If you want 1:1 help covering all the puppy basics - from potty training to basic life skills - I can help you in the comfort of your home, or virtually anywhere in the world.
📧 Get in touch at www.thedogmamaa.com📱 Or connect with me on Instagram and Facebook @thedogmamaa
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