The Ultimate Puppy Potty Training Guide: From Accidents to Success

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2026-01-22T13:04:28-05:00

Bringing a new puppy home is a whirlwind of wagging tails and puppy breath, but it also marks the start of your most important job: potty training. At the AKC Partner Shop, we believe that a solid house-training foundation is the key to a lifetime of happiness with your dog.

While every puppy is an individual, success boils down to three things: consistency, supervision, and the right tools.

Choosing Your Method: Crates & Pads

Most experts agree that a combination of crate training and designated potty spots is the most effective approach.

The Power of the Crate

Dogs are naturally clean animals. Using an appropriately sized crate encourages them to hold their bladder, as they don't like to soil where they sleep. However, puppies have tiny bladders and cannot stay in a crate for long periods.

Why Training Pads are a Lifesaver

In an ideal world, you would be home every hour to take your pup outside. In reality, jobs and life happen. Training pads are essential for:

Apartment Dwellers: High-rise living makes quick outdoor trips difficult.

Tiny Breeds: Small dogs have even smaller bladders.

Inclement Weather: For puppies who refuse to go out in the rain or snow.

Equip Your Home for Success

To make the process easier, we offer specialized pads designed for every household need:

For the "Extra" Messes: Our Fresh Scented Ultra Absorbent Training Pads provide maximum surface area for larger breeds or long workdays.

For Sensitive Noses: If you prefer a neutral environment, use Unscented Ultra Absorbent Training Pads that lock in moisture without added fragrance.

For Odor Elimination: Our Activated Carbon Puppy Training Pads are specifically designed to neutralize smells on contact, keeping your living space fresh.

For Health Conscious Owners: Our Odor Control Health Monitoring Training Pads do double duty, helping you keep an eye on your pup's wellness while managing messes.

The Training Schedule: Timing is Everything

Puppies thrive on routine. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold their bladder for one hour for every month of their age. To prevent accidents, take your puppy to their pad or outdoor spot:

Immediately upon waking up.

After every meal or drink of water.

Following a vigorous play session.

Last thing before bed.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise Over Punishment

If your pup has an accident, don't scold them. Simply clean it up and move on. Instead, focus on Positive Reinforcement. When your puppy uses their Fresh Scented Leak Proof Puppy Training Pad correctly, throw a "puppy party!" Clap, cheer, and offer a small treat to let them know they’ve done something amazing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"My pup keeps going in the same spot": This usually means an old scent remains. Ensure you use an enzymatic cleaner. To help redirect them, try our Fresh Cut Grass Scented or Eucalyptus Scented Puppy Training Pads; these natural scents can help trigger their instinct to "go" in the right place.

"The room smells like a kennel": If odor is your main concern, try refreshing your space with Lavender, Lemon, or Eucalyptus scented pads to mask smells while you work on training.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to fully potty train a puppy?

While some puppies get the hang of it in a few weeks, it typically takes 4–6 months for a puppy to be fully house-trained. Consistency is the biggest factor in how fast they learn.

2. Should I use scented or unscented pads?

It depends on your dog! Scented pads like Lemon or Lavender help mask odors in the home, while Fresh Cut Grass scents can help a puppy transition to eventually going outside.

3. What if my dog shreds their puppy pads?

This is often a sign of boredom or teething. Try placing the pad in a dedicated tray holder and ensure your puppy has plenty of chew toys to keep their mouth busy.

4. How do I transition my dog from pads to the outdoors?

Slowly move the training pad closer to the door over several days. Eventually, move the pad just outside the door, and then finally remove the pad altogether once they understand the "outdoor" goal.

5. Why are XXL pads better for some puppies?

XXL Training Pads are great for larger breeds who might miss the edges of a standard pad, or for owners who are away for longer periods and want to ensure their floors stay dry.

6. Is it okay to use pads and go outside?

Yes! This is called "dual training." It gives your dog an approved indoor spot for emergencies while still teaching them that the "great outdoors" is the primary goal.