Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but one of the first challenges most homeowners face is potty training. The good news is that with consistency and a simple routine, most puppies learn quickly. (Psst. Did we say consistency? It’s critical.)

One of our family friends got a puppy and legitimately took it outside every hour for the first week. She’d just plop the pup down in the same place on the grass and wait until she went to the bathroom. She had that dog trained in a snap! It took time (clearly) and a lot of diligence, but the payoff was incredible. You may not have time every hour on the hour, so we’ve put together some options to try out first below!

Build a Routine and Stay Consistent

Puppies don’t yet have full control over their bladder, so structure is key. The more predictable your routine, the easier it is for them to understand what’s expected.

Start with these basics:

  • Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed
  • Use the same spot outside each time to build familiarity
  • Offer praise immediately after they go in the right place
  • Keep a close eye indoors—if they start sniffing or circling, take them out right away
  • Limit unsupervised roaming by using a crate or small area

Accidents will happen, especially early on. When they do, it’s important to respond calmly. Avoid punishment—puppies don’t connect it to the behavior. Instead, clean the area thoroughly and stay consistent with your routine.

Setting Your Home Up for Success

Potty training is really about creating clear patterns. Over time, your puppy will begin to associate going outside with positive reinforcement and predictability.

For homeowners, this phase is temporary—but the habits you build now will last. A little patience and consistency upfront can lead to a cleaner home and a well-trained dog.

Like many things at home, success comes from routine, clarity, and a bit of grace along the way.le outcomes aren’t always immediate or obvious, Easter points to something consistent: what is given in faith is never wasted.

Even quiet acts of obedience can carry lasting significance.