House training your dog: frequent trips out, rewards, and never punishing accidents
The most practical question of living with a new dog is, "Where will they go to the toilet?" The good news is that this is learned through patience, routine and rewards, not punishment. Based on advice from Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and RSPCA Australia, we walk through house training a puppy or newly adopted dog step by step. For the general first-week routine with a new puppy, see our first week guide; this article goes deeper on the toilet topic only.
- Go out often: Give your dog plenty of chances to go outside; always after waking up, after eating and after excitement.
- Reward right away: Reward the moment they finish in the right place, not once they're back inside.
- No punishment: Shouting or rubbing their nose in it teaches nothing; your dog may learn to avoid going in front of you.
- Clean the smell: Use a non-ammonia product, or a biological (enzyme-based) solution as the RSPCA UK suggests.
- Allow time: According to Dogs Trust, it can take a puppy a few months to be fully house trained.
Set your expectations first
According to Dogs Trust, it might naturally take a puppy a few months to be completely house trained without the odd accident, because their bowels, bladders and the muscles that control them are still growing. The RSPCA UK says dogs don't have full bladder capacity until they're approximately 12 months old. RSPCA Australia adds that very young puppies don't have full control over urination yet, so some mistakes are out of their hands.
The same goes for adult dogs: according to the RSPCA UK, the stages are the same for an adult dog that hasn't been trained properly before; it just may take longer. Dogs Trust reminds us that even fully trained dogs can have accidents while settling into a new home.
When to take them out
Dogs Trust recommends taking your dog out whatever the weather or time, whenever they're likely to need to go. The RSPCA UK suggests taking puppies out especially at these times:
- After waking up: After every nap and first thing in the morning.
- After eating: Both the RSPCA UK and RSPCA Australia recommend a trip out after a meal.
- After excitement: Such as visitors arriving or lively play.
- After being left alone: When you get home.
- At regular intervals: The RSPCA UK suggests about every 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the puppy's age.
Ask your veterinarian about your puppy's vaccine schedule and where the puppy can be outside.
Step by step
- Go to the same spot: The RSPCA UK recommends taking your dog to the same place each time; Dogs Trust suggests starting on a lead so you're close enough to reward right away.
- Watch for signs: According to Dogs Trust and RSPCA Australia, sniffing the ground, turning in circles and starting to squat are signs they need to go.
- Add a word: As your dog starts to go, quietly say a word such as "toilet"; both the RSPCA UK and Dogs Trust suggest this. Over time the word becomes linked to the action.
- Reward immediately: RSPCA Australia wants the reward to come within a second or two of finishing, ideally a favorite treat plus a cheerful "good dog."
- Don't interrupt: Dogs Trust says not to disturb your dog while they're toileting; reward once they've finished.
- Don't rush back in: The RSPCA UK suggests walking around or playing for a while before going back inside. Otherwise your dog may learn that going to the toilet ends outside time and hold on until the last minute.
What to do after an accident
Accidents are part of training; what matters is your reaction. Dogs Trust suggests that if you spot your dog toileting, you resist the urge to react and let them finish; being cross can make them anxious about you and lead them to hide to do it elsewhere. If you catch them in the act, the RSPCA UK suggests interrupting in a way that doesn't punish, such as calling their name, calmly taking them to the right place and praising them lots if they go there. If you find the accident afterward, clean it up without any reaction: RSPCA Australia says old-fashioned methods like rubbing the dog's nose in it teach nothing and can damage the relationship with your dog.
According to the RSPCA UK and RSPCA Australia, a dog can't connect the punishment with the accident; they become scared and confused. The result is a dog that avoids toileting when you're around, which makes it harder to reward the right behavior.
Clean up the smell
The RSPCA UK suggests wiping the spot with a biological washing powder solution and rinsing with water, which removes the smell and reduces the chance your dog uses the area again. Dogs Trust also recommends a biological cleaner that completely breaks down the smell. RSPCA Australia prefers a cleaning product without ammonia (available at veterinary clinics or pet stores). They all agree on one point: if the smell stays, your dog may go back to the same place.
Indoor stopgaps
According to RSPCA Australia, puppy pads can help when you can't supervise your puppy or you're leaving the house; as your puppy gains better bladder control and learns to toilet on cue, the pads should be removed. The organization also recommends making sure your dog can always reach their toilet area once trained, and continuing to reward the right place every now and then.
If training isn't progressing, or a dog that was previously house trained suddenly starts going indoors, talk to your veterinarian first. The RSPCA UK and Dogs Trust say there can be a health reason behind toileting problems; a vet can rule that out and refer you to a behavior professional if needed. If your dog goes indoors only when left alone, also read our article on separation anxiety.
It can be hard to keep track of outing times. In Tüylüm you can mark your dog's walks and toilet outings among the daily care tasks on the Today tab. If you jot a sudden change in toileting habits in the Complaint log, it's easier to show to your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does house training a puppy take?
Dogs Trust says it can take a few months for puppies to be fully trained without the odd accident. According to the RSPCA UK, full bladder capacity develops at around 12 months. Every dog learns at their own pace.
What should I do if I catch my dog having an accident?
Don't shout. The RSPCA UK suggests interrupting in a way that doesn't punish, such as calling their name, then calmly taking them to the right place and praising them if they go. Dogs Trust suggests not reacting and letting them finish.
Can an adult dog be house trained too?
Yes. According to the RSPCA UK, the stages are the same as for a puppy; it may just take longer. If you adopted from a shelter, you might also like our guide on adopting a dog from a shelter.
Keep track of your pet's care in TüylümLog vet visits, vaccine and medication dates, and we'll remind you when it's time. Share it all with your family in Home.
Sources
- Dogs Trust · How to toilet train your puppy
- RSPCA (UK) · How to toilet train your puppy or dog
- RSPCA Australia · How can I toilet train my puppy or adult dog?
- Dogs Trust · Day one with a new puppy
This article is for general information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment advice and does not replace a visit to a veterinarian. Talk to your vet about decisions on your pet's health. By Tüylüm · Published and last checked: November 9, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to [email protected] and we'll fix it right away. Photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under the license shown below each photo.
