Puppy Potty Training Timeline: What to Expect by Age

General Rule of Thumb

A puppy can hold their bladder for roughly one hour per month of age, plus one. So a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours — but should be taken out more frequently for the best results.

8-10 Weeks: Frequent Trips

At this age, take your puppy out every 30-60 minutes, after meals, naps, and play. Accidents are expected and frequent. Reward heavily when they go outside — treat within 2 seconds.

10-12 Weeks: Patterns Emerge

You will start noticing your puppy's natural schedule. They may circle, sniff, or walk toward the door before needing to go. Capitalize on these signals and praise outdoor success.

3-4 Months: Building Consistency

Your puppy can hold it for 3-4 hours during the day. Maintain a consistent schedule: first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Nighttime accidents should be decreasing.

4-6 Months: Gaining Reliability

Most puppies have significantly fewer accidents by this age. They may signal at the door or start developing a preferred potty spot. Continue rewarding outdoor success, but you can begin to fade treat frequency.

6-12 Months: Near Independence

Most puppies are reliably housetrained by 6-8 months, though some larger breeds may take up to a year. An occasional regression is normal, especially during life changes or excitement.

Handling Setbacks

Never punish accidents after the fact — your puppy will not connect the punishment to the behavior. Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove scent markers. If regressions last more than a week, consult your vet to rule out medical causes.

Key Success Factors

Consistency, supervision, and generous rewards are the three pillars of potty training. Crate training works hand-in-hand with potty training since puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.