Potty Training a Dog

potty training a dog

In this section learn about potty training a dog and puppies which we have made easy with the best free dog training techniques, methods, tools, tips and commands.


Discovering the best methods to make this dog training technique successful can be relatively easy depending on the dog training or puppy obedience training techniques that you use and how early you start the dog obedience training or puppy obedience training program.

Of course it is always best to start potty training a dog from an early age but it is never too late to get great results as long as you follow the step by step program delivered on this page.

We have included a toileting time-table for a young puppy and adult dog but for specific information on housebreaking a puppy and house training a puppy check out our section on house training a puppy.

For indepth information on housebreaking dogs and puppies check out our section on housebreaking a dog.

If you are interested in potty training puppies, check out our indepth section on
potty training a puppy.

Potty Training a Dog

House Training a Dog and Puppies - should start immediately

Start house training your dog or puppy the moment you get him.

When house training a dog or house training a puppy it is important that you start the dog obedience training or puppy obedience training program from the moment your new dog or puppy enters your House.

Your new dog will not understand the House rules or any routines that you have in place so it is extremely important that you introduce your dog to all the members of the family as soon as possible so that your dog becomes accepted and a member of the family unit.

Some new dog owners feel that they should let there dog or puppy settle in to his new environment before the training starts.

However, this is a misconception as allowing your dog or puppy to establish his own habits and routines you are seriously slowing down the training regime.

By training your dog from the moment he sets foot in your House you can teach your dog the routines and habits that you and your family have and expect.

By training your dog to interact with you and the family in your normal daily routines and by rewarding him for his good dog or puppy behavior from the start, you are setting the boundaries that you expect and this will stop your dog from being confused and will enable him to want to behave and fit in - leading to a relaxed and well balanced dog.

Potty Training a Dog

A Top Dog Training Tip for Training an Adult Rescue Dog

This is a really useful top tip - and possibly one of the most effective
dog training techniques that you could use when potty training a dog from a rescue home.

So that you can rehabilitate your new dog and cure any house training problems that may have occurred when he was at the rescue home - attach your dog to you!

By attaching a short leash to your dog's collar you will now both be inseparable.

Go about your daily routines, make the tea, read a book or the paper and your dog will always be with you.

This fantastic training technique will not allow your dog to urinate or potty on the floor and you will be able to establish a bond and relationship that will last.		 potty training a dog

Potty Training a Dog

Below we have provided a guide to developing a toileting schedule for a 5 month old puppy and a 2 year old adult dog.

When potty training an adult dog compared to a young puppy it is important that you set up a house training schedule.

Below we have provided two house training schedules - one that can be used for a 5 month old puppy and the other for potty training a puppy aged around two years of age.

House training schedule for a 5 month old puppy.

This is a house training schedule assuming that you are going to work and have asked a neighbor to pop in and let your puppy out.
  • 7:30 a.m. - Time for the first potty break

  • 7:40 a.m. - Feed your puppy his breakfast

  • 7:50 a.m. - Time for another potty break - then put your puppy in his crate.

  • 8:30 a.m. - If you are off to work - let your neighbor know and leave instructions for the times to let your puppy out.

  • 12:30 p.m. - Following your instructions your neighbor should give your puppy another toilet break.

  • 12:40 p.m. - Your neighbor should feed your puppy.

  • 12:45 p.m. - Your neighbor should let your puppy out to potty and then he should be placed in the crate.

  • 5:30 p.m. - Assuming that you arrive home at this time - let your puppy out of his crate to toilet.

  • 6:30 p.m. - Time for another toileting break.

  • 7:30 p.m. - Time to feed your puppy.

  • 7:40 p.m. - Time for another toilet break.

  • 9:00 p.m. - Time for another toilet break.

  • 10:00 p.m. - Another toilet break and then put your puppy in his crate for the night.

If you are after more information check out our section on crate training a puppy. and crate training a dog.

Toileting Schedule for a 2 year old adult dog.
This is a toileting schedule assuming that you are at work and have asked your neighbor to pop in and let your dog out.
  • 7:30 a.m. - Time for the first potty break

  • 7:40 a.m. - Feed your dog his breakfast

  • 7:50 a.m. - Time to put your dog in his crate.

  • 8:30 a.m. - If you are off to work - let your neighbor know and leave instructions for the times to let your dog out.

  • 5:30 p.m. - When you get back from work let your dog out for a potty break.

  • 7:00 p.m. - Time for another toilet break.

  • 7:30 p.m. - Time to feed your dog.

  • 7:40 p.m. - Time for another toilet break.

  • 10:00 p.m. - Last toilet break and then put your dog in his crate.

For more information check out our section on dog crate training.

Potty Training a Dog

A Step by Step Guide to Potty Training a Dog & Potty Training a Puppy


  1. You should start potty training a dog or puppy by attaching a leash to your dog - you need to have control over where your dog is allowed to venture.

  2. As we are using reward based training and positive reinforcement put a couple of your dog's or puppy's favorite treats in your hand.

  3. Now it is time to take your dog or puppy out of the House into the garden or toileting area.

    You should put a training cue on this that you use every-time - make sure that you use the same dog training commands every-time for each specific task.

    Something like 'Potty Time' or 'Toilet Time.'

    Make sure that the whole family use the same cue -your dog will soon learn to associate this cue with going outside.

  4. When your dog or puppy is outside and is looking like he is about to potty - give him a verbal command such as 'Go Potty' - do this at the moment your dog is about to do his business

  5. When your dog or puppy has done his business give him lots and lots of praise and one of his treats.

  6. If you want your dog or puppy to potty in a certain amount of time - then only give him a certain amount of time to go.

    However, you need to be consistent don't give him twenty minutes to potty on a Thursday and then expect him to do his business in five minutes on the Saturday.



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