How to potty train a puppy
By the Toodle team · Updated · Prices checked daily
Potty training comes down to routine, timing and rewards. Here are the steps, followed by the supplies that help, from pee pads and potty bells to stain removers and treats, in stock at the shops we work with.
Potty training, step by step
Pick a potty spot
Take your puppy to the same spot outside each time. The smell reminds them what they're there for.
Go out often
Take them out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after every meal, nap and play session.
Reward right away
The moment they finish, praise them and give a small treat, outside, so they connect the reward with going in the right place.
Keep a routine
Regular mealtimes make potty times more predictable. Note when accidents happen so you can get out before the next one.
Supervise, or use the crate
Watch for sniffing and circling, and head out when you see it. When you can't watch, a crate or playpen helps prevent accidents.
Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner
Ordinary cleaners can leave a smell that brings your puppy back to the same spot. Don't punish accidents; just clean up and go out more often.
Want the full lesson?
The Ultimate Guide to Puppy Training is a free online course from Alison. The course is free; a certificate is optional and paid, and Toodle may earn a commission if you buy one.
At a glance
We found 19 options in stock from 12 stores, from $5.99 to $20.99.
- Lowest-priced in Pee pads and potty bells: Training Spray for Dogs, $17.99 at Alzoo
- Lowest-priced in Stain and odor removers: Stain & Odor Remover Spray, $10.99 at Alzoo
- Lowest-priced in Poop bags: Easy Tear & Tie Poop Bags, $5.99 at Walkee Paws
- Lowest-priced in Training treats: Nutrisource Little Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, $6.59 at Only Natural Pet
How we picked
- Pee pads, potty bells, stain and odor removers, poop bags and soft training treats
- In stock with a current price
- Grouped by kind
Listed from the lowest price. Prices and stock come from each store and are checked through the day. We haven't tested these products ourselves; the facts come from each maker's listing. Stores may pay Toodle a commission; that never changes what's listed or the order. How Toodle makes money
Pee pads and potty bells
1. Alzoo
Training Spray for Dogs
32 oz deterrent spray for spots where your dog marks or chews.
- 2 colors
- Ships free from Alzoo
$17.99 at Alzoo · Indoor · 32 fl ozPrice checked 19 hours ago
Buy at Alzoo
Stain and odor removers
2. Alzoo
Stain & Odor Remover Spray
Enzyme and probiotic spray for urine, vomit and food messes on carpet, wood, stone and most surfaces.
- 2 sizes
- 3 colors
- Ships free from Alzoo
$10.99 at Alzoo · Apple Blossom · 16 fl ozPrice checked 19 hours ago
Buy at Alzoo
3. Alzoo
Concentrated Stain & Odor Remover
The same enzyme and probiotic cleaner as a small concentrate: fill the reusable 32 oz bottle with water and add a 1.1 oz refill.
- 2 sizes
- Ships free from Alzoo
$12.99 at Alzoo · Refill · 1.1 fl oz concentratePrice checked 19 hours ago
Buy at Alzoo
4. Majestic Pet
Majestic Pet Bed Odor Eliminator
A spray for pet beds, stairs and nearby fabrics.
- 2 colors
$14.99 at Majestic Pet · Coconut MilkPrice checked 24 hours ago
Buy at Majestic Pet
5. Puracy
Pet Stain & Odor Remover
A no-rinse spray for pet stains and odors, like urine, vomit, drool and mud, on carpet, upholstery and other surfaces.
- 2 sizes
$17.99 at Puracy · 25 oz bottlePrice checked 3 hours ago
Buy at Puracy
6. Puracy
Instant Spot Remover
An unscented, no-rinse spot remover for carpet and upholstery that works on pet accidents as well as food, mud and grass stains.
- 2 sizes
$19.99 at Puracy · 25 oz bottlePrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Puracy
7. Puracy
Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
A concentrated shampoo for carpets, upholstery and washable covers, including pet bed covers, used in a carpet cleaning machine or by hand.
- 2 colors
$20.99 at Puracy · Fresh CitrusPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Puracy
Poop bags
8. Walkee Paws
Easy Tear & Tie Poop Bags
Thick handle-tie dog poop bags on perforated rolls that are easy to tear with gloves on.
- Free shipping over $75 at Walkee Paws
$5.99 at Walkee PawsPrice checked 17 hours ago
Buy at Walkee Paws
9. Arm & Hammer
Arm & Hammer Dispenser & Disposable Waste Bag Set
The cute, doggy waste bag dispenser has an easy-to-use connector that attaches to any dog leash, belt loop, or bag strap.
$7.99 at PetmatePrice checked 19 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
10. Earth Rated
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags
Leak-proof poop bags on refill rolls.
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$7.99 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 3 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
11. Cycle Dog
Earth Friendly Dog Poop Bags
72 dog poop bags on 6 refill rolls, made from corn and plant starches.
$10.95 at Free the OceanPrice checked 6 hours ago
Buy at Free the Ocean
12. Big Ass Dog Company
Big Ass Poop Bags
Scented, easy-open poop bags sized for big dogs: 16 rolls, 192 bags per box.
- Fits dogs from 40 lb
- Free shipping over $100 at Big Ass Dog Company
$15.95 at Big Ass Dog CompanyPrice checked 17 hours ago
Buy at Big Ass Dog Company
13. P.L.A.Y.
Proper Pup Poop Bag Dispenser
A zippered poop bag holder made from upcycled materials that clips to a leash or belt loop and holds up to 15 bags.
- 8 colors
$19.90 at P.L.A.Y. · DenimPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at P.L.A.Y.
Training treats
14. Nutrisource
Nutrisource Little Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Small, soft and chewy dog treats in chicken, rabbit, duck or salmon recipes.
- 4 flavors
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$6.59 at Only Natural Pet · Chicken 6 ozPrice checked 13 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
15. Raw Paws Pet Food
Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe
Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.
- Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food
$9.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 17 hours ago
Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
16. Gnarly Bites
Amp'd Up Training Treats
Small training treats made with real chicken and venison.
$13.00 at Gnarly PetsPrice checked 6 hours ago
Buy at Gnarly Pets
17. PawCo
Magic Bar Plant-Based Snack Bars
Soft, chewy peanut butter snack bars with pumpkin and chicory root, easy to chew at any age.
- 2 sizes
- 6 flavors
- Free shipping over $40 at PawCo
$15.49 at PawCo · Original · 8-packPrice checked 16 hours ago
Buy at PawCo
18. Raw Paws Pet Food
Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe
Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.
- Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food
$15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 17 hours ago
Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
19. Raw Paws Pet Food
Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe
Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.
- Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food
$15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 17 hours ago
Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
Compare them side by side
Pee pads or straight outside?
Pee pads help when you live in an apartment or are out for longer stretches, but they can teach a puppy that indoors is okay. If you use them, keep them in one spot and move them toward the door over time.
When to ask your vet
If a puppy who was doing well suddenly has lots of accidents, or pees very often, check in with your vet in case there's a medical reason.
Questions
- How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
- Often several weeks to a few months. Puppies get better bladder control as they grow, so expect accidents early on.
- How often should a puppy go out?
- Young puppies need to go out very often: after waking, eating and playing, and every couple of hours in between.
- Do potty bells work?
- Many puppies learn to ring a bell by the door if you ring it each time you take them out and reward them outside.