Small dogs need the same house training routine as large ones, but on a faster schedule

House training a small dog works the same way as training any dog—you take them outside frequently, reward them when they go in the right place, and prevent accidents indoors by limiting their space. The difference is that small dogs have smaller bladders and need to go out more often, and their accidents are easier to miss on carpet or tile, which means mistakes pile up faster. A consistent routine, started the day you bring your dog home, will get results in 4 to 6 weeks for most small dogs, though some take longer.

The core method is straightforward: establish a schedule, take your dog out at the same times every day, praise and reward when ready when they go outside, and confine them to a small area (a crate or pen) when you cannot watch them. Small dogs are not harder to train than large ones—they just need more trips outside because their bladders fill faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Take your small dog outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, before bedtime, and every 2 to 3 hours in between—this is the foundation of house training.
  • Reward your dog when ready (within seconds) with praise and a small treat when they go outside, so they connect the act with the reward.
  • Confine your dog to a crate or small pen when you cannot supervise them, because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
  • Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner so your dog cannot smell the old spot and return to it.
  • Never punish your dog for accidents—it teaches fear, not bladder control, and will slow training.

Build a schedule your small dog can follow

Small dogs need to go outside at least 8 to 10 times a day when they are young. Set specific times and stick to them: first thing when you wake up, 15 to 30 minutes after each meal, after naps, after playtime, and before bed. Write these times down for the first week so you do not miss one.

The reason is biology, not behavior. A small dog's bladder is the size of a marble compared to a large dog's. A puppy or young small dog cannot hold urine for more than 2 to 3 hours, even if they try. An adult small dog can usually wait 4 to 6 hours, but that does not mean they should. A predictable schedule teaches your dog when to expect relief and makes accidents rare.

If you work outside the home, hire a dog walker or ask a neighbor to let your dog out midday. A dog left alone for 8 hours will have accidents no matter how well trained they are—their bladder will not hold that long. If midday relief is impossible, plan to start house training when your schedule allows for frequent trips outside.

Take your dog to the same spot every time

Choose one area of your yard or a nearby patch of grass and take your dog there for every outdoor trip. Use the same door, the same route, and the same spot. This repetition teaches your dog that this is the bathroom place, and the familiar scent will trigger the urge to go.

Stay outside with your dog until they go—do not just open the door and assume they will handle it. Small dogs get distracted easily and may want to play instead. Stand quietly nearby, and the moment your dog squats or lifts their leg, say a marker word like "yes" or "good," then when ready give a small treat and praise. The timing matters: your dog must connect the treat to the act of going outside, not to coming back inside or playing afterward.

If your dog does not go within 10 minutes, bring them back inside and confine them to their crate. Try again in 30 minutes. This prevents your dog from thinking outdoor time is playtime and teaches them that going to the bathroom is the job, not the bonus.

Use a crate or pen to prevent accidents when you cannot watch

A crate is the single most useful tool for house training. Dogs have a natural instinct not to soil their sleeping area, so a properly sized crate (big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so big your dog can go in one corner and sleep in another) will teach bladder control faster than any other method.

When you cannot supervise your dog—while you shower, cook, work at a desk, or sleep—put them in the crate. This is not punishment. It is a safe space and a training tool. Your dog will hold their bladder rather than soil their bed, which strengthens bladder control and makes the next outdoor trip more likely to be successful.

Do not leave your dog in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder. A general rule: a puppy can hold it for one hour per month of age, plus one. A 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours. An adult small dog can usually manage 6 to 8 hours, but that does not mean they should be crated that long regularly. Let your dog out of the crate, take them outside when ready, and then return them to the crate if you still cannot supervise.

Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner, not regular soap

When your dog has an accident indoors, the smell lingers even after you clean it with soap and water. Your dog's nose is thousands of times more sensitive than yours, and they will return to that spot to go again because it smells like a bathroom.

Use an enzymatic cleaner—a product that breaks down the uric acid in urine rather than just masking the smell. Brands like Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, and Enzyme are sold at most pet stores and online. Follow the product instructions: spray the area, let it sit for the time listed (usually 10 to 15 minutes), and let it air dry completely. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, because ammonia smells like urine to dogs and will attract them back to the spot.

If you find an accident after it has dried, soak the area with the enzymatic cleaner and let it sit longer. For stubborn spots on carpet, you may need to treat the area twice or use a black light to find old accident spots you cannot see.

Reward when ready and consistently

The moment your dog finishes going outside, say "yes" or "good" and give a treat within one or two seconds. This teaches your dog that going outside is the behavior you want. If you wait until you come back inside to reward, your dog will not connect the treat to the act of going outside.

Use small, soft treats that your dog can eat quickly—a piece of chicken, a small training treat, or a bit of cheese. The treat should be something your dog loves but does not get any other time. Rotate treats so your dog stays interested.

After a few weeks, your dog will start to anticipate the reward and will be eager to go outside. At that point, you can start rewarding every other trip, then every third trip, and eventually just praise without treats. But in the first month, reward every single successful trip outside.

Never punish accidents—they teach fear, not control

If you find your dog having an accident or catch them mid-accident, do not yell, hit, or rub their nose in it. Punishment teaches your dog to fear you and to hide when they need to go, which makes house training harder. Your dog is not being stubborn or spiteful—they straightforward have not learned bladder control yet, or they did not have access to the bathroom when they needed it.

If you catch your dog mid-accident, calmly pick them up and take them outside when ready. If they finish outside, reward them. If you find an accident after the fact, clean it up and move on. Your dog will not remember the accident, so punishment will only confuse them.

The only correction that works is prevention: more frequent outdoor trips, closer supervision, and a properly sized crate. These teach your dog the right behavior instead of punishing the wrong one.

Expect setbacks and adjust your routine

Most small dogs are reliably house trained within 4 to 6 weeks, but some take 3 to 4 months. Setbacks are normal and do not mean your dog is failing or that you are doing something wrong. A new environment, a change in routine, stress, or illness can cause temporary accidents even in a trained dog.

If your dog has been accident-free for a week and then has two accidents in a day, go back to the basics: more frequent outdoor trips, more supervision, and more rewards. If accidents happen at night, your dog may not be ready to sleep through the night without a bathroom break—take them out before bed and again first thing in the morning, and do not be surprised if they need a midday trip for another month.

If your dog has frequent accidents despite a consistent routine, talk to your veterinarian. Urinary tract infections, digestive issues, or other medical problems can cause house training to stall. Once any health issue is ruled out, you can be confident that the problem is training, not health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to house train a small dog?

Most small dogs are reliably house trained in 4 to 6 weeks with a consistent routine. Some take 2 to 3 months. Age matters: puppies take longer than adult dogs because their bladders are smaller. Consistency matters more than time—a dog with a predictable schedule will train faster than one with an irregular one.

Can I house train a small dog without a crate?

A crate is the fastest and most reliable method, but you can house train without one if you supervise constantly and confine your dog to a small pen or a single room instead. The principle is the same: limit your dog's space so they cannot sneak away to go to the bathroom. Without a crate, house training usually takes longer because supervision is harder.

What if my small dog goes outside but refuses to go to the bathroom?

Your dog may be distracted, not need to go yet, or be waiting for a longer walk. Try staying outside longer, walking your dog around the yard, or waiting quietly. If your dog still does not go after 10 to 15 minutes, bring them inside and confine them to the crate. Try again in 30 minutes. Do not let outdoor time become playtime, or your dog will learn to hold their bladder until they are back inside.

Is it normal for a small dog to have accidents at night?

Yes, especially if your dog is young or has not been trained long. Small dogs have small bladders and may not be able to hold urine through an 8-hour night. Take your dog out right before bed and again first thing in the morning. If nighttime accidents continue after a few months, talk to your veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue.

What should I do if my dog has an accident while I am away?

Clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner so your dog does not return to the spot. Then adjust your routine: hire a dog walker for midday breaks, ask a neighbor to let your dog out, or shorten the time your dog spends alone. A dog cannot be house trained if they do not have access to the bathroom when they need it.