Glossary
House training
Teaching a dog to relieve itself outdoors or in a chosen spot instead of inside the home.
Also called: potty training, housebreaking, toilet training, house-breaking
House training works by preventing mistakes and rewarding success. Puppies need to go out very often: after waking, after eating, after play and about every hour or two at first, since young puppies have limited bladder control. A set schedule, a chosen spot and an immediate reward for going in the right place teach the habit.
Supervision, a crate or a small pen prevents accidents indoors. When one happens, clean it with an enzymatic cleaner and do not scold, since dogs punished for accidents may simply learn to hide.
Most puppies get the idea within a few weeks to a few months, depending on age and breed. It is not the same as a medical problem. A previously trained adult that starts having accidents, or a dog that strains or goes very often, should be seen by a veterinarian.
Last reviewed November 8, 2026