Exploring the grass is part of learning where to go. Supervise outdoor time to reinforce toileting cues.
Toilet training a puppy can feel like a rollercoaster. Some days are full of wins, while others include unexpected messes on your favourite rug. But with the right expectations and a solid routine, you can set your puppy up for long-term success. Whether you’re raising a pup in a house with a garden or a city flat with a balcony, understanding the key toilet training milestones can help you track progress, stay consistent, and know when to celebrate.
Week-by-Week Toilet Training Timeline
Every puppy is different, but most follow a general pattern as they grow and develop bladder control. Here’s a week-by-week guide to help you stay on track:
Weeks 8–10: This is the start of the journey. Puppies are learning everything from scratch, including where to go to the toilet. Introduce a designated toilet spot like a patch of grass in the yard or a Porch Potty on the balcony. Use a consistent phrase like “go toilet” and take them out every 1–2 hours, as well as after meals, naps, and playtime.
Weeks 10–12: Your puppy may start to show signs that they need to go, such as sniffing or circling. Accidents are still common, but they’re beginning to make the connection between the cue and the action.
Weeks 12–14: Bladder control is improving, and you may notice fewer accidents. Keep reinforcing good habits with praise and treats when your puppy toilets in the right spot.
Weeks 14–16: Your pup is starting to hold it longer and might even go to the toilet area on their own. Accidents should be occasional at this point.
Weeks 16–20: Most puppies can go several hours without needing to wee and may begin sleeping through the night. You’ll also see more consistent signalling when they need to go.
After 20 Weeks: If you’ve been consistent, your puppy is likely well on the way to being fully toilet trained. Occasional accidents might still happen, but they’re becoming rare.
Common Toilet Training Milestones
Toilet training isn’t just about age: it’s about observing behaviour and recognising when your puppy is learning key habits. Here are a few milestones to watch for:
-
First time your puppy signals to go out (e.g. barking at the door or sitting by it)
-
First accident-free day
-
First time sleeping through the night without a toilet break
-
Generalising the toilet habit to new environments (e.g. a friend’s house or the vet’s office)
-
Reliably going to the toilet area without prompting
Accidents happen, especially in the early stages. Stay patient and consistent with toilet training.
Dealing with Accidents
Even with the best routine, accidents happen. The way you respond can make a big difference in your puppy’s progress.
Behavioural tips:
-
Stay calm and avoid punishment because it can make your puppy anxious and confused.
-
Interrupt gently if you catch them in the act, and immediately guide them to their toilet area.
-
Clean up thoroughly so your puppy doesn’t return to the same spot.
Cleaning tips:
-
Use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down the odour and prevent repeat accidents.
-
Avoid ammonia-based products, which smell like urine and can encourage re-soiling.
-
Blot, don’t rub, to lift stains without spreading them.
Consistency, gentle correction, and proper cleaning go a long way in reinforcing good toilet habits.
Bonding moments like this help your pup feel secure, an essential part of early toilet training success.
What If Progress Slows?
It’s totally normal for toilet training to stall or regress, especially during growth spurts or after changes in the household. Here’s what to keep in mind:
-
Regressions are common and usually temporary.
-
Stress, illness, or schedule changes can throw off progress.
-
Make sure your routine is still consistent and that your puppy has clear access to their toilet spot.
Tools like Porch Potty can help by giving your pup a familiar surface that’s always available, even when you’re out or the weather’s rough.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Toilet training doesn’t happen overnight, but every step forward is worth celebrating. With patience, encouragement, and a consistent routine, your puppy will get the hang of it—and you’ll spend far less time scrubbing carpets.
For a simple way to reinforce outdoor toilet habits, explore Porch Potty. It’s a game-changer for urban pups, rainy days, and those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks.
For more tips and tricks on toilet training your puppy, check out these articles:
When Good Puppies Go Rogue: Dealing With Puppy Toilet Training Regression
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Toilet Training: Everything You Need to Know
Comprehensive Cleaning Guide: Handling Pet Messes on All Surfaces