How to House Train Your New Puppy: 12 Essential Tips

Housetraining a puppy isn’t always easy — especially if it’s your first time. But with a bit of patience, a good routine, and some consistency, it does get better. We’ve housetrained puppies ourselves, and we know how frustrating it can feel in the beginning. The good news? Puppies learn fast when you set them up for success.

Here’s what’s worked for us and what we recommend to anyone bringing a new pup home:

Start with a routine (your secret weapon)
The more consistent you are, the faster your pup will catch on. Feed them at the same times every day, take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Puppies have tiny bladders — they just can’t hold it long. In our experience, a predictable routine helps them line up their potty schedule with yours.

If your pup eats and drinks at regular times, they’ll also need to go potty at regular times. It’s like clockwork — and that makes your job a lot easier.

Take them out a lot
We’re not exaggerating here. When our Ridgeback was a puppy, we were outside what felt like every 30 minutes. Puppies usually need to go right after they eat, drink, wake up, or play. So be proactive — don’t wait for signs. And when they do go outside, throw a little party! Treats, praise, happy voice — your puppy should know they did a great thing.

Pick a potty command and stick to it
Every time you take your pup to their potty spot, use a simple phrase like “go potty” or “do your business.” Say it in a cheerful, encouraging voice. Over time, they’ll connect the dots and start doing their thing on command — it’s super helpful when you’re in a rush or on a walk.

Praise and reward immediately
Timing is everything. The second your puppy finishes going potty in the right spot, give them a treat and lots of praise. We’re talking enthusiastic “Good job!!” with a snack they love. This helps them understand that going outside = awesome things happen.

Avoid rewarding too early — wait till they’re completely done, or they might get distracted and finish the job inside.

Supervise like a hawk
If your pup is loose in the house, you’ve gotta keep eyes on them. Watch for signs like sniffing, circling, or suddenly wandering off — these usually mean “I need to go.” If you spot it in time, gently scoop them up and head outside.

Can’t supervise? That’s where crates and playpens come in…

Use a crate or playpen when you can’t watch them
We’ve found crates to be super effective. Dogs naturally avoid going potty where they sleep, so a properly sized crate helps teach them to hold it. It’s not punishment — think of it more like their cozy den. Just make sure it’s comfy and positive, not a place they associate with being in trouble.

Still, even in a crate, puppies need frequent potty breaks. Don’t leave them too long!

Potty pads: useful, but temporary
If you live in an apartment or can’t always get outside quickly, puppy pads can be a short-term solution. Just pick one spot and stick with it. Reward your pup when they use it correctly — just like you would outside.

But long-term, your goal should be outdoor potty training. Pads can delay that if you rely on them too much.

Clean up accidents the right way
Accidents will happen. What matters is how you clean them. Use an enzymatic cleaner (you’ll find these at any pet store) — not regular soap. These cleaners break down the smell so your puppy isn’t tempted to go in the same spot again.

We’ve seen puppies return to the “scene of the crime” just because the scent was still there. Clean thoroughly and block off the area if needed.

Skip the punishment
Punishing your pup for accidents doesn’t help. In fact, it usually backfires — they may start hiding when they need to go. If you catch them mid-accident, a quick “uh-oh!” or clap can interrupt the behavior, but don’t yell or scare them. Just calmly take them outside.

If you find a mess after the fact, clean it up and move on. They won’t connect punishment to something that already happened.

Be patient — progress takes time
Some puppies catch on in a few weeks, others take longer. Breed, age, and your consistency all play a role. Our Ridgeback took about two months to be fully reliable, and we still had the odd accident after that. Don’t get discouraged — keep at it, and things will click.

Bottom line:
Housetraining isn’t just about avoiding messes — it’s about building trust and communication with your puppy. Stick to a routine, reward the good stuff, and manage their environment. With time, your pup will learn where (and when) to go, and you'll both be better for it. Hang in there — you’ve got this! 🐾