PickGlobe
House-training is the first big job with a new puppy, and the advice online ranges from sensible to harsh. This guide summarises what the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine says on its animal health topics page. It is general information, not veterinary advice: if you have a health or behaviour concern, talk to your vet. Puppies differ, so results may vary, and the page gives no number of days for full house-training.
This guide is based on the public source listed below. We have not tested any course, crate or store. For harnesses, beds and crates, see our guides to dog harness sizing and pet beds and crates.
What UC Davis says
Source: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, "House-Training your Puppy" (by Claire Youngerman, 8 April 2019; read in a browser). Last checked: 17 October 2026.
The basics. Puppies have an instinct not to soil their den, but they have not developed the bladder muscles to hold urine and faeces for as long as adult dogs. Breeds can differ in how quickly they respond, but the same principles apply.
How often to take a puppy out. The page gives a schedule for elimination breaks:
| Puppy's age | Breaks per day |
|---|---|
| 6 to 14 weeks | 8 to 10 |
| 14 to 20 weeks | 6 to 8 |
| 20 to 30 weeks | 4 to 6 |
| 30 weeks and older | 3 to 4 |
What to do
- Away from home: keep the puppy in a small confined area such as a crate, bathroom or pen, made appealing with toys, food and bedding. If you are gone long enough that the puppy cannot hold it, make the area large enough to get away from a mess, with the toilet area away from food, water and bed. Expand the area gradually.
- At home: take the puppy to the same designated spot on a schedule, after eating and drinking, after sleeping and after exercise or play. Do not play until it has gone.
- Praise at the moment the puppy goes in the right place, and a small treat.
- Supervise constantly, for example with a leash attached to your waist.
- Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner, and be consistent and patient.
- If you catch an accident, interrupt by startling the puppy (a clap), then redirect or carry it to the right spot.
What not to do
- Do not punish a puppy verbally or physically (UC Davis lists hitting with newspaper and rubbing a nose in a mess) or after you find the mess: it is ineffective and may cause further, more serious problems.
- Do not leave the puppy outside unsupervised, give free run of the house without supervision, or make abrupt diet changes unless your vet says so.
- Do not get discouraged: accidents will happen.
What to check if you buy a training course or book
- Does it match the vet advice above (rewards, supervision, a schedule, no punishment)? Be wary of any that promise a fixed number of days: UC Davis gives none.
- Who wrote it, and what do they cite?
- Refund terms and access. Results may vary, and no guide replaces advice from your vet.
- Crates, pens and cleaners. Check sizes for your puppy's adult size, and that the cleaner is described as enzymatic.
What we could not confirm
- How long house-training takes, rules for apartments and any particular course.
Source: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, house-training your puppy.
