Potty training a puppy can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you think! Over the years, I’ve fostered and adopted dogs of all ages, from 8-week-old puppies to 18-month-old rescues, and I’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t.
The TL;TR version:
To potty train a puppy fast, you will need a leash, crate, rewards, consistency, and a ton of patience! Take your puppy outside every hour. Limit their freedom inside, using a leash or crate. Reward them with treats and praise every single time they go potty outside. Read your dog’s body language signals to know when they have to potty. Be consistent and you will have a potty trained puppy in no time.

4 Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Puppy
Whether you’re wondering how to potty train a dog in 3 days, potty train a 6-month-old puppy, or house train a stubborn pup, these four easy steps will help you potty train your puppy as fast as possible.
Potty training doesn’t have to be complicated. These four steps are simple and easy to implement for any puppy or dog.
Step 1: Supervise Closely
If you do nothing else, you must supervise your puppy, it is the key to preventing accidents and catching your puppy before they need to go. Trust me when I tell you that if you take your eye off of your puppy for 10 seconds, they will have an accident.
- Watch for signs: Look for circling, sniffing, whining, or pacing, which often indicate they need to potty.
- Limit freedom: Use baby gates or playpens to keep your puppy in sight at all times.
- Crate training: Crates are an excellent tool for unsupervised time, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
When I fostered two 12-week-old puppies, accidents were nonstop because I couldn’t always tell which one had made the mess. Once I started using a playpen and crates, potty training became much more manageable.

Step 2: Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools for potty training.
- Use high-value treats: Reward your puppy immediately after they finish going potty outside.
- Add praise: Puppies respond to excitement, so celebrate their success with enthusiastic praise. Be careful not to get too excited until they finish going potty. Too much excitement could cause them to stop before finishing.
- Stay consistent: Make sure every successful potty break gets rewarded, especially in the beginning.

Ginger, our 6-month-old rescue, caught on to potty training in just a few days thanks to positive reinforcement. Every time she went outside, I gave her a treat and lots of praise, and she quickly learned what we wanted her to do.
Step 3: Establish a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, and a consistent schedule helps them learn when and where to go potty.
- Take them out frequently: Plan potty breaks first thing in the morning, after meals, during playtime, and before bed. For young puppies, aim for every 1–2 hours.
- Stick to the same spot: Take your puppy to the same area outside every time. The familiar scent will encourage them to go.
- Feed on a schedule: Regular feeding times help regulate their potty schedule.
When we adopted Bear at 18 months old, he was already potty trained, but with younger pups like Thunder and Wizard, a routine was essential. By sticking to consistent mealtimes and potty breaks, they both learned quickly.
Make potty training easier with my Puppy Potty Training Pack, a printable guide packed with schedules, tips, and trackers to help you stay organized and set your puppy up for success. Get it here!

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Step 4: Handle Accidents the Right Way
Accidents are part of the process, but it’s how you handle them that makes all the difference.
- Clean thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of urine and eliminate odors. (Here’s my full guide on How to Get Dog Urine Smell Out of Carpet.)
- Stay calm: Never punish your puppy for accidents… they don’t understand, and it can make them fearful.
- Learn from it: If accidents happen often, reevaluate your schedule or supervision.
I used my Little Green Machine daily when fostering those two 12-week-old puppies. It was a lifesaver for cleaning accidents, but I quickly realized the real solution was more supervision and a stricter schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
Most puppies can be potty trained in a few weeks with consistency and patience. Some may catch on in as little as a few days, while others may take a little longer.
What if my puppy keeps having accidents?
Increase supervision, take them out more frequently, and make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning any accident spots with an enzymatic cleaner. Talk to your vet to rule out medical issues like a urinary tract infection.
Can older dogs be potty trained?
Yes! Older dogs can learn just as quickly as puppies. Use the same steps and give them time to adjust to their new routine. Read more about potty training a rescue dog here.

Final Thoughts
Potty training a puppy takes time, patience, and a consistent routine, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of raising a dog. Whether you’re starting with an 8-week-old puppy or a 6-month-old rescue, these four steps will set you up for success.
Need more help? Check out Mastering Potty Training by SpiritDog Training. It’s a full course that will help you and your puppy master potty training.
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As a seasoned dog owner who has experienced the challenges of potty training with both puppies and adult dogs, I can attest to the importance of patience, consistency, and understanding in this process. Your article beautifully encapsulates the journey that many pet parents embark upon when bringing a new furry family member home.
my son's dog poops at night when everyone is in bed. it's hard for me his wife hits him. honestly I want to take him from her. I go over yesterday and he chews the woodwork and toys.
If the dog is being abused I would take him out of that house asap.