The following content is from our very own puppy training handbook - "Puppy Pathways" by Mayleigh Manners
Toilet Training Your Puppy
Successful toilet training requires patience, consistency, and awareness of their needs. Because puppies have small bladders and limited control, they need frequent opportunities to relieve themselves.
When to Take Your Puppy Out
Puppies need to go to the toilet:
After eating, drinking, playing, or waking up.
About every hour in between, especially for small breeds with smaller bladders.
Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go, such as:
Sniffing the ground.
Circling or pacing.
Whining or showing restlessness.
A sudden disinterest in play and wandering off
How to Encourage Outdoor Toileting
Leash Your Puppy: Put your puppy on a lead when taking them out to prevent distractions. Off-lead puppies may forget their need to toilet and instead explore or play, leading to accidents indoors.
Use a Consistent Spot: Take your puppy to the same area each time. The familiar smell will encourage them to go.
Add a Command: When your puppy toilets, use a consistent command like "Go potty" or "Wee wees." Reward them immediately with lots of praise to reinforce the behaviour. Make it a celebration!
If They Don’t Go
If your puppy hasn’t toileted after 5 minutes, bring them back inside and either keep them on a lead or put them in their crate or pen.
Watch them closely for signs they need to go and try again shortly.
Avoid letting your puppy roam freely indoors until they’ve gone outside to prevent accidents.
Indoor Toileting Options
If you need an indoor option (e.g., during long work hours), use real or artificial grass mats, as these mimic outdoor surfaces. Avoid pee pads, as they encourage puppies to associate rugs, mats, and carpets with toileting. Grass mats are a better alternative but should only be a backup for outdoor training.
Handling Accidents
If You Catch Them in the Act:
Gently interrupt by picking them up and taking them outside to finish.
Praise and reward them if they continue toileting outdoors.
If You Find an Accident Later:
Don’t scold your puppy. They won’t understand, and punishment can lead to fear or ‘sneaky toileting’.
Thoroughly clean the area with a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odours and discourage repeat accidents. If your puppy can still smell their waste in that spot, they’re likely to return and toilet there again. Regular household cleaners are ineffective at breaking down the pheromones embedded in the surface.
Crate Training and Toilet Training
A crate is a valuable tool for toilet training, as it helps puppies learn to hold their bladder while providing a safe and comfortable resting space. Over time, it also teaches them an important "off switch" and helps prevent separation anxiety.
Introducing the Crate
Start Positively: Gradually introduce the crate as a safe, happy place. Use treats, feed meals inside the crate, and play crate games to build positive associations.
Keep It Accessible: During the day, leave the crate door open so your puppy can explore it freely.
Crate Setup and Size
The crate should be just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
If the crate is too large, your puppy may toilet in one area and sleep in another. Use a divider to adjust the space as your puppy grows.
Nighttime and naptime Crating
Bedtime Routine: Take your puppy out for a toilet break a couple of times before bedtime to reduce the chance of accidents overnight. You may even want to limit water from 7pm to avoid puppy going to bed with a full bladder.
Location: Place the crate near your bed to begin with. This helps your puppy feel secure and allows you to hear if they cry for a toilet break.
Handling Crying: Avoid letting your puppy out of the crate when they cry for reasons other than needing the toilet. While it can be difficult, ignoring their crying is essential to prevent reinforcing the behaviour. If you respond to their cries by letting them out, your puppy will learn that crying gets results and will continue — and likely escalate — the behaviour over time.
Cozy Environment
Cover the crate with a blanket to create a dark, den-like space that feels warm and secure. Leaving the crate uncovered may encourage your puppy to whine and cry because they don’t want to miss out on household activities. Puppies adapt quickly, but the first few nights may involve some crying — be patient and consistent.
By following these steps and staying consistent, you’ll set your puppy up for toilet training success while building a strong foundation of trust and structure.
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