How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Dog?

You might want tips on how to train your new pup to "hold it," but it's important to follow potty training methods that are healthy, responsible and the most natural for your furry friend. 

This task comes with all sorts of questions, the biggest of which might be: “How long does it take to potty train a dog?”

The short answer: it can take a month or two, or sometimes even longer, to train your puppy to potty outside. However, there are a number of variables that impact the amount of time you’ll need to dedicate to the duty. Follow along as we cover those variables more in depth—and share some helpful tips for speeding up the process.

Factors That May Influence Your Pup’s Potty Training Timeline

Every puppy, just like every person, is an individual. Their bodies and brains are all different, and they each may respond to potty training in their own way. That said, a couple of specific house training factors tend to make a big difference for every puppy: 

• The regularity of your routine – Do you feed your puppy at the same time every day? Do you take them to the same “potty spot” at regularly scheduled intervals? In the same way that routines can develop healthy habits in young children, establishing a certain degree of regularity in your pup’s day-to-day schedule could set them up for greater success on their training journey too. Creating regularity is also the best way to crate train a puppy.
• The patience and attention you’re able to dedicate to potty training – When you’re patient, encouraging, and eager to reward good behavior, your dog may be able to learn more quickly. It’s also one of the ways of knowing how to build trust with your dog and how to bond with your dog. Similarly, when you know what signs to look for, you’ll be well aware of when they need to go outside. This self-reinforcing cycle of action and reaction can make puppy potty training fly by.

2 Tips to Facilitate The Training Process

Now that you’ve found the answer to your question “How long does it take to potty train a puppy?” you’re likely asking yourself “How can I make sure mine is a fast learner?” For the ultra-motivated paw parent, we’ve compiled a bit of advice to make the experience a speedy one. 

#1 Pair Your Routine With The Right Rewards and Commands

When your puppy is first learning to potty in the right place at the right time, your “routine” may feel more like a full-time job—especially since young puppies have tiny bladders and may need to go outside once an hour

During your pup’s hourly potty break, be sure to:

 

• Take them to the same location each time, if possible.
• Repeat a keyword when they go (like “potty,” “pee,” or “poop”); eventually, this word will be the command that you use to get them to go.

Once they have pottied, reward them with a high-value treat. Then you can take them on a longer walk or play with them outdoors. This helps them learn that only after they pee will they be able to participate in a game of fetch or a ride to their favorite trail. 

Pro tip: Another important asset of routine is feeding time. Always feed your new dog nutritious meals at the same time of the day, and take them out to their potty spot after he’s had anything to eat or drink. 

 

#2 Recognize the Potty Signs and How to Respond

Sometimes, the dog potty training process includes walking into a room to witness your pup making a new warm puddle or stinky mess on the floor. While inside, you might be calculating the cost of the carpet cleaner, on the outside you should be calmly scooping up your pup and carrying her outside to her potty spot. 

That’s because reacting to your pup’s accidents with action, following up with praise and rewards if they potty in their designated potty spot, and thoroughly cleaning the mess up afterward could reinforce good behavior. Losing your temper and reacting with punishment, on the other hand, may cause anxiety and confusion, ultimately making it harder for her to learn. Dogs who aren't trained in a healthy way by their owner could end up "holding it" longer than is natural and developing UTIs or other illnesses.

To prevent as many indoor accidents as possible, keep a close eye on your pup. They’ll often give you clear signals that they need to go outside and go on toilet trips. Be on the lookout for:

• Restlessness or walking in circles
• Sniffing
• Heading for a corner

When you see signs like these, pick them up and take them outside. Chances are, everyone involved will be quite relieved.

 

From Potty Training to Potty Pro, Darwin’s is Here for You and Your Pup

Though the next four to eight weeks may seem like an eternity from where you’re standing (hopefully not in a pile of poo!), soon you’ll know just what to say when someone asks “So, how long does it take to potty train a pup?”

As a dog owner and pet parent, you should keep looking out for your dog’s health and happiness, starting with the natural dog food you feed them every day. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products are inspired by nature and informed by science. Wondering how to incorporate raw dog food? Reach out to a menu consultant to find the perfect meal for your potty training pup.



Sources: 

Puppy In Training. How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy?  https://puppyintraining.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-potty-train-a-puppy/ 

Preventative Vet. Potty Training Your Puppy When You Live In An Apartment. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/potty-training-in-an-apartment 

The Humane Society. How to potty train your dog or puppy.  https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-potty-train-your-dog-or-puppy