The 4 Critical Potty Training Concepts Your Puppy Has to Learn

Many pet parents struggle with potty training setbacks, even when following all the “right” advice. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I’ve learned that long-term success depends on teaching your puppy four essential concepts—not just following routines.

1. Where TO Potty

“Outside” isn’t just somewhere to go—it needs to become your puppy’s toilet zone. Clear, consistent reinforcement each time they go in the correct place helps solidify this association.

2. Where NOT to Potty

Your puppy doesn’t instinctively know that carpets, couches, or beds are off-limits. Supervision and prevention are key to teaching that indoors is not an option.

3. When to Go

Using a cue like “Go Potty” during bathroom breaks helps your puppy associate the command with the action. This builds reliability over time.

4. How to Tell You They Need to Go

Your puppy needs to learn to signal when it’s time to go out. Bell-ringing, waiting at the door, or barking are all teachable behaviors—but they take maturity and reinforcement.

Struggling with accidents or setbacks?

I’ve turned this process into a downloadable tool that I now use with all my clients.
Download the Potty Training Troubleshooting Flowchart

Want more context? Chico’s story illustrates how powerful these principles can be. Read the full article on Medium

Also see:
Top 10 Potty Training Mistakes That Sabotage Progress