Potty Training Made Simple: How to Get Your Dog to Pee, Poop, and Stop Accidents Fast

Potty accidents can be one of the toughest parts of having a dog. We’ve all been there—your puppy pees right after you just took them outside or surprises you with a poop on your favorite rug. The good news? Potty training doesn’t have to be that frustrating if you have a solid plan and some easy-to-follow tips.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to potty train your dog in a way that works. We’ll also share how to get your dog to poop more quickly on walks and even how to train them to go potty on command. Sounds pretty helpful, right?

Start With a Consistent Routine

One of the most essential steps in potty training is building a regular schedule you and your dog can stick to. Feed your dog at the exact times every day. This helps create predictable potty times because most dogs poop soon after eating.

There’s a reason for that. When a dog eats, their full stomach sends a signal to their colon through nerves, telling them it’s time to go. This means dogs usually poop within 15 to 20 minutes after a meal. If you stick to regular feeding and potty break times, your dog is much less likely to have accidents inside.

Dry kibble also takes 10 to 12 hours to move through a dog’s system. So feeding your dog first thing in the morning and then again in the evening (about 8 to 12 hours later) sets you up for success.

Watch Their Water at Night

Managing your dog’s water intake in the evening is also a good idea. Try removing your pup’s water and food about two to three hours before bedtime. So, if bedtime is 10 PM, no food or water after 7 PM. That gives you time to take them out for one last bathroom trip before bed.

But don’t take this too far. Puppies need plenty of water daily because they dehydrate faster than adult dogs. Just focus on that evening window to help avoid late-night messes.

Avoid Sudden Food Changes

If you’re thinking about switching your dog’s food, go slow. A quick diet change can lead to diarrhea, making potty training harder. When a dog has loose stools, they might be unable to hold it in.

So, switch gradually when you want to try a new brand or type of food. Mix a little of the new food in with the old and increase the new portion slowly over several days. This helps your dog’s system adjust without any upset stomach issues.

Crate Training Works (And It’s Not Mean)

Many people cringe at the idea of crate training, but it’s a great potty-training tool. Dogs are den animals by nature—they like having a cozy, safe space. A crate becomes their little “room,” and they usually won’t want to mess it up.

The key is to introduce the crate as a safe, happy place. Add soft bedding, a toy, and a treat to make it cozy. Then, use it during training and when you can’t supervise.

Since dogs are clean, they usually won’t go potty in their crate. If they have the urge, they’ll try to let you know by whining or scratching. That’s your cue to get them outside right away. Don’t wait—if they lose control in the crate, they might start thinking it’s okay to go anywhere.

Watch for Potty Signals

When you’re potty training, supervision is everything. Learning to spot the signs that your dog needs to go is a big part of preventing accidents.

Some signs to watch include sniffing the floor, circling, whining, suddenly wandering off, or sitting near the door. If you notice any of these, stop what you’re doing and take them out right away. Catching it early helps your dog learn faster and builds better habits.

Get the Right Crate Size

Ensure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. If it’s too big, they may use one end as a bathroom and sleep on the other. That defeats the purpose of crate training. You want them to treat the space as their den—not a spot with a bathroom corner.

Why Dogs Take Forever to Poop Outside

If you’ve ever stood in the rain or snow for what feels like forever waiting for your dog to poop, you’re not alone. Dogs don’t just go potty to relieve themselves; they also leave behind scent marks.

Pooping is a way to “sign” their territory. This instinct comes from wolves. It’s a natural behavior, but it can slow things down.

Sometimes, stress or nervousness can make it worse. If your dog senses that you’re frustrated or in a hurry, it can make them anxious and delay things even more. That stress builds up over time and can make pottying even harder.

How to Make Them Go Faster

Try these tips to speed things up:

• Take your dog for a longer walk first—moving around helps get things going.
• Give a gentle belly rub in a soft, clockwise motion to stimulate their digestion.
• Stick to one quiet, familiar bathroom spot with fewer distractions.
• Learn your dog’s favorite surface—some like grass, others prefer dirt.

Sticking to these ideas can help your dog quickly get to business on walks.

Teach Your Dog to Potty on Command

Yes, you can train your dog to pee or poop on command. It’s not hard either!

Start by taking your dog out when you know they need to go—like right after eating or waking up. The moment they start doing their business, say your chosen cue. It can be anything like “go potty” or “do your business.” Say it calmly and clearly while they’re going.

Right after they finish, praise them and give them a treat. Keep doing this for a few days or even a week, and soon your dog will start to understand the connection. Eventually, they’ll learn to go when they hear your cue word.

You’ll want to use different phrases for peeing and pooping since they’re two separate actions. Just remember: even if your dog knows the cue, they might need a few minutes before they’re ready. The cue is a helpful tool—not magic.

What If There’s an Accident?

Accidents will happen. It’s part of the learning process, especially with young pups. When it happens, don’t yell or punish them. Just clean it up thoroughly using a cleaner made for pet odors. Dogs have powerful noses; if a spot still smells like pee, they’ll return to it.

If you catch your dog in the act, calmly interrupt them—don’t scare them—and lead them outside to finish. Then praise them for going in the right spot.

And if your dog only seems to have accidents when you’re not home, it might be separation anxiety. Stress can also lead to potty problems, especially during changes like moving, loud noises, or losing a family member.

Final Thoughts

Potty training takes patience, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a schedule, a few simple tools like a crate, and lots of praise, your dog will get the hang of it. Don’t forget that dogs learn daily and want to please you.

Stay calm, be consistent, and celebrate small wins. Before you know it, potty accidents will be a thing of the past, and you and your dog will be more in sync than ever.