Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Training

How Long Does House Training a Puppy Take? (And Why)

How Long Does House Training a Puppy Take? (And Why)

Haley Young

January 22, 2025

Dog Training

How Long Does House Training a Puppy Take? (And Why) thumbnail

You want your puppy to be potty trained as quickly as possible. We get it! Cleaning up accidents is no fun. It's hard to manage your own schedule as a pet parent when bathroom breaks are so frequent. And you'll be able to take your pup on more adventures—like to indoor pet-friendly stores and restaurant patios—if you're able to trust they won't empty their bladder where they shouldn't.

While every puppy is an individual, some general guidelines can help you understand if you're on the right track. We promise there's a light at the end of the tunnel (and a break from the enzymatic cleaner and midnight potty trip alarms) coming soon!

Here's how to know if your potty training timeline is reasonable—plus tips to make the house training process as easy as possible on both you and your new dog. We cover:

How long potty training usually takes

Factors that influence house training time

Puppy potty training basics

When to be concerned if your dog still isn't potty trained

Further resources, like how to handle potty training regression

How long does potty training a puppy usually take?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a puppy to be fully potty trained. Most dogs get the hang of going to the bathroom outside between four to six months of age.

A three-month old puppy sits looking up at their handler

What factors influence potty training time?

The time it takes to potty train your puppy can vary depending on things like your dog's breed, age, socialization, and the consistency of your training.

Your puppy's physical size

Smaller dog breeds have smaller bladders. This means they need to go outside more frequently! There's no way around it—it's just biology. Because larger puppies are more quickly able to hold their urine for a longer amount of time, bladder size can affect the speed of your new dog's potty training.

(Some pet parents opt to use puppy pads or even litter boxes to help with logistics during the initial potty training time with small dogs. You can read more on that below and in this longer article.)

Your puppy's age

Younger puppies have less bladder control. They need more frequent bathroom breaks than older puppies or adolescents.

A common rule of thumb: Puppies can hold their bladders an hour for every month of age, give or take one depending on other circumstances (they'll have to go sooner if they've recently drank a bunch of water, for example, but can last longer if they're sleeping).

General length between potty breaks for your puppy's age

A two-month-old puppy (eight weeks of age) can hold their bladder for around 1-3 hours.

A three-month-old puppy can hold it for around 2-4 hours.

A four-month-old-puppy can last 3-5 hours.

A five-month-old puppy can go 4-6 hours.

A six-month-old puppy can last 5-7 hours.

Adolescents older than seven months can usually hold their bladders as long as fully grown dogs can, between 6-8 hours and sometimes more overnight. Keep in mind you should always give your dog a regular chance to use the bathroom even if they can go longer between breaks. 4-6 hours is a nice interval. (Think about how uncomfortable it is for you to be asked to hold it!)

How you keep a consistent schedule

Routine is everything in house training. Regularly taking your puppy outside to the same designated area—and using consistent cues and positive reinforcement—can help your pup more quickly understand where it's okay to use the bathroom!

Your training techniques

Clear communication, positive reinforcement, and interrupting undesirable eliminations promptly play a significant role in the speed of potty training. It can also make a world of difference to maintain one potty spot!

We cover more of the house training process in the next section.

Your puppy's early socialization

Puppies that have been well-socialized—particularly those who've had supported exposure to different environments and surfaces during their early weeks—may adapt more quickly to using the bathroom in a range of situations. The big outside world can be distracting for a young dog during the potty training process!

Potty training basics

We know the process of house training can be daunting. Here's how to get on your way to potty training success.

Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule

If your puppy eats on a regular schedule, it will be easier to predict when they need to use the bathroom.

Feed your puppy at the same time each day. Keep track of when they eat and when they use the bathroom so you can start to notice their individual patterns. Your dog should consistently process food in a predictable period of time. (A bonus of this schedule: You’ll be able to notice any appetite or waste changes right away to get in touch with your vet.)

Pay attention to any extra treats you give them during the day that might increase their need to relieve themselves. If possible, try to give treats at regular times.

Give free access to water whenever possible, but be aware of any times they drink more than usual (like after playing or finishing a chew).

Take your puppy outside at regular potty time intervals (and increase the time between bathroom breaks slowly)

It’s important to start small during the potty training process.

Take your dog outside more frequently than you think you need to at first. Then gradually increase the intervals between their potty breaks—only when they’ve shown they can consistently handle the previous amount of time.

To start, it’s a good idea to take your puppy outside on a regular schedule every 1-2 hours. Young dogs often also need to go shortly after they:

Wake up in the morning or from a nap

Finish a meal

Play or engage in another activity

Encourage your puppy to potty in the same area to create a predictable pattern

Dogs are inclined to use the bathroom in the same spot they’ve gone before. You can use this to your advantage outside! Try walking your puppy in a small circle in the same corner of your yard to encourage a healthy habit of eliminating there.

Use positive reinforcement when your dog gets it right

Don’t allow your puppy to play or run around before they’ve gone potty. But as soon as they pee or poop outside? Praise and reward them! You can use small training treats, physical affection, or a favorite toy to celebrate their job well done.

(Note: Wait until after your dog has finished eliminating so you don’t interrupt them in the act. You want to make sure they have time to fully empty their bladder before you offer a tasty treat or fun game. This can take more than 30 seconds as they grow up!)

Keep your puppy in a crate or pen when you’re unable to supervise

Dogs usually don't like to use the bathroom where they sleep or eat. By confining your pup to a smaller space (like a comfortable appropriately sized kennel, wire pen, or room with a baby gate), you can take advantage of this natural instinct to reduce the odds of accidents while you're away.

Is your puppy uncomfortable with confinement in a crate, or have you just never used one before? You can read more about kennel training an adult dog in this article and crate training a new puppy in this one!

You can also consider setting up designated potty pads in your dog’s environment if you have to leave them alone longer than you think they can hold their bladder. A couple variations of this are paper training and litter box training. (They're essentially the same thing, just with different surfaces for your dog to relieve themselves on.)

A small puppy sits next to a puddle of pee on a puppy pee pad

When should you be concerned if your puppy still isn't potty trained?

As mentioned above, potty training timelines can vary widely among individual dogs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer!

That said: There are general guidelines that can help you assess whether your puppy might need additional attention—or if they could be suffering from an underlying issue.

Age

Most puppies can start learning basic potty training skills as early as eight weeks old. By the time a puppy is six months old, they should have made significant progress in potty training. If your puppy is often having accidents indoors after this age, it may be cause for concern.

Consistency and training

If you have been consistently following a training routine and your puppy still hasn't shown improvement after a few months, evaluate the effectiveness of your training methods.

Are your bathroom break intervals fair to your puppy's bladder development? Are you rewarding your puppy for going outside? How about supervising them closely?

Health issues

Sometimes health issues can contribute to potty training difficulties. If your puppy is having frequent accidents, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems like urinary tract infections.

Behavioral issues

Some potty training difficulties may be related to anxiety, fear, or other behavioral problems that hinder the learning process. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you identify and address these concerns!

Life changes

Major life changes, such as moving to a new home or the addition of a new family member or pet, can disrupt a puppy's routine and contribute to potty training regression. It's more important than ever to be patient and consistent with your new dog during these times.

Professional dog trainers are here to help!

If you are concerned about your puppy's potty training progress, consult with your veterinarian and consider seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer. They can evaluate the specific circumstances where your dog is using the bathroom indoors, provide guidance on your individual progress, and help tailor a training plan that suits both your puppy's needs and your lifestyle.

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Lindy Langum
Founder - K9 Fun Club Staff Trainer - Summit Assistance Dogs Certified in Canine Studies (CSS), NW School of Canine Studies

Haley Young

January 22, 2025

Dog Training

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Away

Most recent articles

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Furry Co-Pilots Welcome: The Best Way to Travel in an RV with Your Dog

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

How Long Does House Training a Puppy Take? (And Why)

How long does potty training a puppy usually take?

What factors influence potty training time?

Your puppy's physical size

Your puppy's age

General length between potty breaks for your puppy's age

How you keep a consistent schedule

Your training techniques

Your puppy's early socialization

Potty training basics

Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule

Take your puppy outside at regular potty time intervals (and increase the time between bathroom breaks slowly)

Encourage your puppy to potty in the same area to create a predictable pattern

Use positive reinforcement when your dog gets it right

Keep your puppy in a crate or pen when you’re unable to supervise

When should you be concerned if your puppy still isn't potty trained?

Age

Consistency and training

Health issues

Behavioral issues

Life changes

Professional dog trainers are here to help!

Related reading

Trainer Review of this Article

Haley Young

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado