How to toilet train a puppy

In this blog, we’ll cover the best way to toilet train your puppy, what to avoid, and how to make the process as smooth as possible. Toilet training can feel frustrating and confusing at first, but with the right plan in place, you’ll both get there in no time. The aim is to

help your puppy learn quickly while keeping your bond strong and positive.

What’s the fastest way to toilet train a puppy?

The fastest way to toilet train your puppy is to make sure they’re in the right place at the right time. That means creating a routine and taking your puppy out at the times they’re most likely to need to go.

Try setting a timer for every 20 minutes to start with. Each time it goes off, take your puppy outside to their toilet spot (unless they’re asleep - let them snooze!).

You’ll also want to take them out:

• After waking up

• After eating or drinking

• After playtime or training

• After visitors arrive

• After anything exciting happens

It might sound like a lot of trips outside, but remember your puppy will sleep up to 20 hours a day, so it’s not as much as it sounds!

Once your puppy toilets outside, give them lots of calm praise and a little celebration. Then relax knowing you’ve probably got a good 20 minutes before they need to go again. Over time, you can start stretching the gaps between trips outside until you’re on a regular routine of every few hours.

How long should it take to toilet train a puppy?

This really depends on your individual puppy (and a little on their breed). Smaller dogs often take longer because their bladders are smaller, but that’s not always the case.

As a general guide, most puppies are fairly reliable with toilet training by 5–6 months of age. If you’re still struggling past that point, don’t worry it just means your puppy might need a bit more guidance. That’s where some professional support can make a big difference.

If you’d like help building consistency and confidence with your puppy’s training, my Puppy Life Skills Course covers toilet training (and lots more) in a fun, positive way.

If your puppy is toileting inside very frequently, it’s worth chatting with your vet. Urinary infections are fairly common in young puppies and can make it harder for them to control their bladder.

Can I take my 8-week-old puppy outside to toilet?

Yes, you can take your 8-week-old puppy outside to toilet, as long as it’s in a safe, clean area.Avoid places with:

• Lots of wildlife (like foxes or rats)

• Standing water or muddy puddles

• Frequent visits from unknown dogs

If you have a private garden, that’s perfect. If you live in a flat or don’t have a garden, think about who else uses the shared space before taking your puppy there. You could also use an indoor toilet area, like an artificial grass patch or puppy litter tray, until your vet gives you the go-ahead for walks.

What do I do if my puppy toilets inside?

Don’t panic and definitely don’t shout. Accidents happen, and it’s all part of the learning process.

If your puppy toilets indoors:

• Stay calm and don’t interrupt them mid-flow

• Clean up using an enzymatic cleaner (to remove odour traces)

• Make a note of when it happened it’ll help you time the next trip outside better

Never punish your puppy for getting it wrong. It can make them scared to toilet in front of you, which slows everything down. Instead, focus on rewarding them when they get it right.

If you’d like a bit of hands-on help creating a consistent toilet routine, check out my Puppy Life Skills Course we cover exactly how to set your puppy up for success from day one.

My puppy goes outside but toilets when they come back in?

This is so common, and it usually happens because the outside world is just too exciting. Puppies get distracted, forget why they went out, and only remember they needed to go once they’re back inside.

A few things can help:

• Take your puppy out on lead first, wait for them to go, then let them off to explore

• Give them five minutes outside if they don’t go, bring them in for 30 seconds and try again

• Keep toilet trips calm and boring, and playtime for afterwards

This pattern teaches them that toileting outside comes before fun time.

Want more puppy advice?

If you’d like ongoing support, confidence, and a clear plan for raising your puppy, join my Puppy Life Skills Course.You’ll learn everything from toilet training to socialisation and recall, with friendly, positive methods that really work.