You've read all the guides on how to house train your puppy, and you're seeing success. Yet, there are still accidents happening, and you're ready to fast-track his progress. You're looking for house training hacks you can implement along with the regular potty training tips you've already put in practice. Check out these five tips to help your puppy finally get the hang of bathroom time.
Not only should you train your puppy to relieve himself outside, but you should also train him to signal to you that he's ready to do so. By hanging bells from your doorknob, you're giving your pet a tool to nudge with his nose or bat with his paw whenever he wants to go outside and use the bathroom.
Accidents happen when your puppy is confused about where he should relieve himself. New puppies and newly adopted dogs were just taken out of a familiar environment and are now being asked to follow the rules in a world that's new to them. To accelerate any potty training progress, keep the potty spot in one designated area. For instance, don't simply let your pup out into the yard. Lead him to one specific corner of grass. Or, if you're potty training with puppy pads in a high-rise apartment, keep the pad in the exact same location every time.
Verbal cues help alert your puppy that it's time to use the bathroom, so pick a word or phrase and use it consistently every time you bring him to his potty spot. Phrases can include, "Go ahead" or "Do your business." Using the bell in conjunction with the bathroom word is helpful, because the bell gives your puppy the power to alert you when he needs to go. The bathroom word is your reminder to your dog that it's important to relieve himself where you'd like him to.
Let's face it, if you're far away from your pup, you won't notice the signs your he is giving to let you know he has to relieve himself. But, how can you keep him close enough to you when you have many tasks throughout the house to accomplish. Simple. Keep him on a long leash or lead and loop the end of it to your belt. You'll always be within twenty feet (or less) of each other, and when he jumps up from a nap or begins to whine or pace, you can practice your potty training routine immediately. Just make sure to keep in mind that puppies have a mind of their own and may run circles around a table leg, so make sure to check and make sure the leash is free and clear for you both to move throughout the house safely.
If your puppy is doing well with training, yet can't stop occasional accidents or using a potty pad, move the pad (or your pet) closer and closer to the door. Pad training is easier. Every time your pet uses one, move it a few feet nearer to the door and eventually it will be near the door, where you can reinforce using the bell. If the accidents are happening in random spots, keep moving him closer to the door. To do so, you may need to close doors to some rooms or set up a baby gate to remove his access to certain areas.
Your furry friend will give you signs that he needs to relieve himself, but learning how to house train your pet with these puppy training hacks will help you skyrocket his chances for success.
Amy Shojai, is a certified animal behavior consultant, and nationally known authority on pet care and behavior. She began her career as a veterinary technician and is the award-winning author of more than 35 prescriptive nonfiction pet books.
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs with our special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
Supports joint, digestive, heart, kidney & immune health while maintaining a luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Barking is a normal behavior for most dogs, so you might be concerned if your dog isn't barking. Learn some causes why dogs don't bark.
Wonder what your dog is thinking about? Learn about the way your dog's brain processes information compared to a human & what your intonation means to him.
Learn how overfeeding your dog can lead to dangerous consequences for his health. Keep your dog happy and healthy with a balanced nutrition.
Discover commom causes and treatment of dog dry mouth or xerostomia to help your pup. Learn how absence of saliva may indicate severe underlying health issues.
You know your furry friend loves peanut butter, but is it good for him? Learn the details about this snack and when it's safe for your dog.
There are several places to get a puppy, learn more about finding a puppy at a shelter, breeder, rescue organisations or local newspaper.
Learn the reasons why your dog might be excessively barking, as well as how to train him to recognize when to stop.
Understand the signs of aging in dogs, so you know what to look for, and learn how to keep him feeling youthful and vibrant in his golden years.
Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
Learn why comparing wet vs. dry dog food doesn't have to be an overwhelming decision. You might even serve your pup a mix of both. Here's how to choose.
Learn the reasons why puppies bark and whine, and how you can train them to stop the unnecessary barking.
Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.
Understand what it means for your female dog to be in heat and what you can do to provide her with the best care.
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.
Learn the dangers of leaving your dog outside by himself, such as extreme heat or cold weather, and what you can do to help keep him safe.
Learn tips to think about if you're considering a dog for apartment living, including ideal breeds/characteristics & how to make your space dog-friendly.
While service dogs play a huge role in helping people, they can also help other dogs with special needs. Read two true stories of these remarkable dogs.
Wondering if a vegan dog diet would work for your pup? Learn the health implications of vegan food for him and how to handle his diet if you are a vegan.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool