Toilet Training Basics
Accidents are normal while settling in — for puppies and adults. Consistency and timing do the heavy lifting.
Quick tips
- Go outside every 2–3 hours at first and after sleep, meals and play.
- Reward immediately outdoors — treats within 2–3 seconds.
- Watch for signs: circling, sniffing, restlessness.
- Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner; never punish.
Set up success
Feed on schedule, supervise indoors, and use a crate or safe area for short periods if your dog is comfortable with it. Gradually extend time between outdoor breaks once successes outnumber accidents.
Night routine
Last toilet break before bed; first thing in the morning. For puppies, one quiet night trip may be needed; keep lights low and interactions minimal.
See your vet if there’s sudden regression, straining, frequent urination, diarrhoea, or drinking far more/less than usual — medical causes must be ruled out.