Guide · Puppy Training
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
What to expect by age, how long a puppy can hold it, and when to get help.
What to expect by age, how long a puppy can hold it, and when to get help.
Most puppies take about 4 to 6 months to be fully potty trained, and some take up to a year. How fast it goes depends on your puppy's age and how consistent your routine is. Here's what to expect, so you know what's normal.
A common rule of thumb is about one hour for every month of age. So a 3-month-old puppy can usually hold it for about 3 hours during the day. Treat that as an upper limit, not a schedule.
Young puppies have very little bladder control. Plan on taking your puppy out about every 1 to 2 hours while they're awake, plus 1 to 2 trips during the night.
The one-hour-per-month rule starts to apply here. Keep trips frequent and consistent. Take your puppy to the same spot each time and reward them right after they go.
This is when most puppies become reliably potty trained, with accidents getting rare. Some puppies, and some breeds, take longer.
If progress stalls, talk to your vet, since some medical conditions can delay bladder control.
For pups under 16 weeks, before their rabies shot, we come to you with in-home puppy lessons. See how our puppy training works, or book a free consultation.
Book a Free Consultation →Most puppies take about 4 to 6 months. Some take up to a year.
A common rule of thumb is about one hour per month of age during the day.
Yes. For pups under 16 weeks, we come to you with in-home puppy lessons.
Tell us a little about your dog and we'll help you pick the right program, then grab a consultation time that works for you. No pressure.