Puppy Pee Training 101: How to Train a Dog to Pee Outside or on a Pad

J'adore
Dec 17, 2024
7 min read

Hey, it’s J'adore here—your favourite expert in all things pee-related. Yep, I’ve been through the whole housebreaking thing, and trust me, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. When I first came home at 9 weeks, I was a little… well, let’s say extra when it came to peeing. I peed on everything—from the bed (probably about 15-20 times, give or take) to the bedsheets and even the floor. It was like my bladder had its own agenda!

how to train a puppy to pee outside — Dog pee/poop training

But now? I'm a pee training pro—whether we're at home, on holiday, or even at Grandma's (who still lets me pee anywhere, by the way, but I’m a responsible boy now).

So, if you’ve got a puppy who’s also pee-crazy, don’t worry. Grab some treats, read on, and let me walk you through my journey to becoming the pee-training champ I am today. 🐾

The Puppy Pee Schedule: Understanding Our Bladders

Okay, let’s get down to business. When I first came home, my bladder was like a little sponge—absorb everything and then leak everywhere. I was peeing every 2 hours when I was 2 months old, every 3 hours by 3 months, and then by 7 months, I was able to hold it for a solid 4-6 hours. Now, I’m all about holding it like a pro (though, let’s be honest, I still get excited about the occasional outdoor pee).

Here’s the science bit: Puppies like me have to work up to full bladder control, which takes time. Journal of Veterinary Behavior backs this up, showing that puppies develop better bladder control between 4-7 months of age as our nervous system matures. So, if your pup is still peeing every 2 hours, relax—it’s totally normal. Just keep offering potty breaks (you know, a lot), and they’ll get there soon enough. 👌

Recognizing the Pee Behaviour: Spotting the Signs (AKA, my "I Gotta Go!" Dance)

At first, my humans had no idea what I was up to when I was clearly about to pee. I mean, I’d just sniff around and stare at them like, "Hey, I need help here." But after a few accidents (whoops!), they started picking up on my pee-tastic signs:

Sniffing the ground: Yep, I’d sniff around like I was on a mission. Classic puppy move.
Walking in circles: Like a little pee-dance, I’d pace around looking for the perfect spot.
Running to a particular spot: Eventually, I figured out where I was supposed to go, and I’d bolt straight to the designated area.

Dr. Patricia McConnell, in her book The Other End of the Leash, explains that puppies like me use environmental cues—smell and texture—when choosing where to relieve ourselves. So, my humans figured out that if I was sniffing or pacing, they needed to take me straight to my spot. And, of course, when I did it right, I got a treat and a round of applause (you know, the usual). 🎉

Puppies Learn Through Feel: Why I Pee on Soft Surfaces (And Why Pee Pads Are My First Love)

So, here’s a little secret—puppies are all about the feel under our paws. That’s right! We’re not just sniffing the ground for a potty spot; we’re also deciding based on how things feel. I loved peeing on soft, absorbent materials—like bedsheets, pillows, and, of course, the occasional rug. It felt familiar and, honestly, comfy (sorry, humans!).

Why? Well, when I was a little pup, I was used to soft pee pads inside, and the texture of mats and rugs felt a lot like those pads. Science alert—puppies' tactile sensations play a big role in learning where to go, according to Dr. Karen Overall’s Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. When puppies like me are young, we rely on the feel of the surface to help guide us to the right spot. So, if your puppy is drawn to soft surfaces, it’s not just because they want to ruin your rugs—it's a natural instinct!

Now, my humans learned early on that transitioning me to something less cushy (like a plastic pee tray) was key. They didn’t want me to get too comfortable with the softness of the pads, so they acted fast. Whenever they saw I needed to go, they’d pick me up (yes, like a little puppy princess) and place me on the tray, then immediately reward me when I did my thing. This quick action and positive reinforcement made the switch much smoother. And honestly? It worked!

Where to Train Your Puppy to Pee: Exploring Your Options

When it comes to picking a potty spot, there are a few choices, depending on your living space. Here’s where we get to the good stuff—where to train your pup to pee. (Spoiler: It’s not everywhere).

Outdoor Training: If you’ve got a yard, awesome! I love going outside, and it’s the most natural way to pee. I was lucky enough to get my balcony tray, but if you’ve got space, outdoor peeing/pottying is the way to go. Just remember: Consistency is key—you have to take your pup outside at regular intervals, especially after meals and playtime.
In the Bathroom: If you live in an apartment (like us), a bathroom or any tiled area works great. You can use pee pads or a pee tray to train your pup. My humans started with pee pads and gradually transitioned me to the tray. They were smart about it, and it worked like a charm.
Balcony or Patio: Another great option for city dwellers! Set up a pee tray or mat on your balcony and train your puppy to use it. This is what we did, and it’s awesome for keeping things contained and clean. Plus, I get my own space to do my thing!
Pee Trays or Pads: For indoor potty training, pee trays are fantastic. You can set them up in a consistent spot. I started with pads, then transitioned to a tray at about 4 months old. My humans would place me on the tray as soon as I showed signs of needing to pee, and—boom! —I was trained in no time. Checkout the video below to see how I go about my business :P
Artificial Grass: If you want to make it feel even more real, get some artificial grass made for dogs. This mimics real grass, and it’s the perfect option for apartment living or if you want to keep it indoors.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Pee Training

Now that we’re all clear on the where, let’s get to the how:

Use Positive Reinforcement: Every time I peed in the right place (the tray, of course), I got treats and praise. Who doesn’t love a treat after doing something good? I certainly do. 😉
Consistency Is Crucial: My humans took me to the tray after meals, naps, and playtime—basically, whenever I was likely to need to go. Routine = success.
Supervise Your Puppy: If I was about to pee somewhere inappropriate, my humans would swoop in and take me to the tray. Don’t wait for the mess—spot the signs early and take action!
Crate Training: I spent time in my crate when I wasn’t being supervised, and it helped me hold it. Dogs are naturally clean and don’t like to pee where they sleep, so crates help build bladder control.
Clean Accidents Thoroughly: If I had an accident, it was no big deal. My humans used enzymatic cleaners to erase any scent and prevent me from going in the same spot. No drama, just cleanup!
Nighttime Training: In the beginning, my humans woke up in the middle of the night to take me out. As I got older, I learned to hold it. I’m pretty much a nighttime pee champ now.

Conclusion: Patience, Consistency, and Some Pee Tray Magic

So, there you have it—my journey to becoming a pee-trained superstar. From peeing on everything to confidently using my pee tray, it’s been one wild ride. The key is early intervention, consistency, and, of course, positive reinforcement. If I can do it, so can your pup!

Remember: Keep the routine consistent, transition away from soft surfaces early, and always reward good behaviour. Soon enough, your puppy will be a pro too. Who knows—maybe one day you’ll be able to pee like me on vacation!

Good luck, and happy training! ✨🐾

How Can You Trust This Information?

This article is based on guidelines from trusted organizations and contains references wherever applicable from sources such as:

McConnell, P. (2002). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. Ballantine Books.
Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
Bamberger, M., & Houpt, K. (2006). Housebreaking Your Puppy: The First Step Toward a Lifetime of Good Habits. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 1(1), 12-18.

Learn how to train your dog to pee outside or on a pee pad with expert tips from J'adore. Discover proven techniques for successful potty training and create a routine that works for your puppy!