How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy?

Teaching a puppy to become house-trained relies on patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

The goal of every potty training is to ensure that your puppy does its business outdoors and the process can even help build a tight, loving bond with your fur baby. The answer to the question: how long does it take to potty train a puppy is about 4 to 6 months.

However, in some cases, it can even go on up to a year.

This is absolutely normal.

While most puppies take 5-7 months to be fully housetrained, some puppies can continue to have accidents for up to a year.

Remember: puppies will need more frequent potty breaks. The answer to the question “how often do puppies pee in a day?” is about 6-8 times, sometimes even more than that

In this guide, we will discuss important factors that you need to know about setting a puppy’s potty-training schedule. This way, you can potty train your puppy within 4-6 months.

When Should You Start Potty Training Your Puppy?

Experts recommend that you start training your puppy between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks.

It is at this age that pups have adequate control over their bladder. Your pet will be able to hold it in and has enough control to stop a bowel movement.

After 12 weeks, it may get slightly late, and housetraining will take longer. Of course, there are ways to potty train an older dog. We have discussed this in detail here.

The good news is that your pet can will show you some signs that it wants to ‘go’.

Circling, whining, barking, sniffing, or scratching at the door are some signs that your pet wants to relieve itself.

Crate and Leash Training

Experts recommend that you confine your pet to a crate during housetraining and also that you take your pet out on a leash for each potty break. As s/he learns where to go for its ‘business’ you can give it more freedom to move around.

Here are some steps for crate training:

• Select a crate that is just the right size. Too big and your pet might start eliminating in it.
• Stop using the crate if your pet uses it for potty.
• Do not use the crate for prolonged periods. Make sure your puppy gets to have some playtime outside.
• If you plan to use the crate for more than a couple of hours, make sure your pet gets to go potty before going in the crate. Also, provide fresh drinking water at all times.

Steps to Follow When you Start House Training

• Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Take the food bowls away between meals but always provide fresh drinking water.
• Take your puppy out for potty first thing in the morning and then on the hour or even every 30 minutes. Take your puppy outside again after each meal and one last time before bed.
• If you have to leave your pet alone for prolonged periods of time, have someone come over to take him/her out for a potty break.
• You can also train your puppy to go on housetraining pads.
• Bring your pet to the same place every time so s/he will understand that it is the ‘potty area’.
• Praise and treat your pet every time s/he eliminates it in the desired area.
• Stay with your pet until it is potty trained or have a pet sitter help you.
• Clap loudly if your pet starts to pee inside the house.
• Do not punish or shout at your pet if they have an accident. Quickly wipe off the mess and use safe enzymatic cleaners to eliminate the scent. This will deter your puppy from peeing in the same spot again.

For Bulldog Owners: Ways to Overcome Common English Bulldog Potty Training Problems

English bulldogs were developed for the sport of bull-baiting. This history of the breed can sometimes get in the way of potty-training bulldog puppies.

Bulldog puppies can be quite stubborn and you simply cannot make them do something that they don’t want to do.

Here are some ways to overcome these setbacks:

• Be consistent. Your bulldog puppy will surely get potty trained someday.
• Accidents are common in puppies for about a year. Changes in the environment, anxiety and stress, health issues, and incomplete potty training can also cause accidents.
• Keep on training, rewarding, praising your pet every time s/he voids where you want them to.
• Consult a vet in case something unusual happens.

Conclusion – How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy

There is no definitive answer to the question: ‘how long does it take to potty train a puppy?’

For most puppies, it could be 4-6 months, but the process can sometimes take up to a year.

It all depends on how consistent you are during the potty-training phase.

Always use healthy treats and positive reinforcement along with the steps above and you will see results!

A Cleaner Home Without The Hassle

We know that the process of housebreaking can be stressful for both of you and your furry friend. 

That’s why we designed the Bulldogology Premium Pet Training Pads to help pet owners like you potty train their pets without any hassle. 

It’s the best way to ensure that your pet is comfortable and squeaky clean…even when you’re not at home. 

Our Bulldogology Premium Pet Training Pads is the best choice!

Now with Bullsorbent Polymer Technology

• Absorbs and turns liquid into gel right away keeping your floors dry all day long.
• With sticky adhesive tapes to keep your pet from making a huge mess.
• With built-in attractant to help potty train your dog when you’re not around.
• Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, use it as food and water mats, for kennels, or even when traveling. 
• Instantly eliminates the stinky smell to keep your home fresh and clean.