Small dogs need the same potty training as large ones, but on a tighter schedule
Small dogs have smaller bladders and need to go outside more often than large breeds. A puppy under six months old may need to urinate every two to three hours while awake, and adult small dogs (under 20 pounds) typically need four to six outdoor breaks per day. The core training method is the same regardless of size: take your dog out on a schedule, reward when ready when they go in the right spot, and confine them when you cannot watch them. The main difference is frequency—small dogs straightforward cannot hold it as long, so your schedule has to be tighter.
Most small dogs can be reliably housetrained by six months old if you start early and stay consistent. Some take longer, especially toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Maltese, which can be stubborn about the process. The key is patience and repetition, not punishment. Dogs that are yelled at or punished for accidents often become afraid to go in front of you at all, which makes training much harder.
Key Takeaways
- Take your small dog outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, before bedtime, and every two to three hours in between—consistency matters more than any other single factor.
- Reward with praise and a small treat the when ready your dog finishes going outside, before you come back in, so they connect the outdoor spot with the reward.
- Confine your dog to a crate or small room when you cannot supervise them, because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area and this prevents accidents that teach bad habits.
- Accidents happen and are normal; clean them with enzymatic cleaner so the smell does not draw your dog back to that spot.
- Paper training and puppy pads can slow down the process because they teach your dog it is acceptable to go indoors, so skip them if you can manage the schedule.
Establish a strict outdoor schedule your small dog can count on
Write down the times you take your dog outside and stick to them. Small dogs do best with a schedule they can predict. Take your dog out when ready after waking up (even from a short nap), within 15 minutes of eating, after playtime, and before bed. In between, aim for every two to three hours during the day. A typical schedule for an adult small dog looks like: 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m.—six times daily.
Puppies under four months old may need to go out every hour or two while awake. Keep a log for the first week so you can see your dog's natural rhythm. Some dogs need to go out more often after meals; others are more predictable. Once you see the pattern, you can adjust the schedule slightly, but do not skip trips. The more consistent you are, the faster your dog learns.
If you work full time, a midday dog walker or pet sitter is worth the cost during the training phase. A dog left alone for eight hours will have accidents, not because they are stubborn but because their bladder is full. If you cannot hire help, consider taking a week or two of time off work to establish the routine, or ask a trusted friend or family member to let your dog out at midday.
Reward when ready when your dog goes outside in the right spot
The moment your dog finishes urinating or defecating outside, say "yes" or "good" in a happy voice and give a small treat. Do this before you go back inside. The reward has to happen within seconds, or your dog will not connect it to the act of going outside. Use treats your dog loves but that are small enough not to upset their stomach—a piece of chicken, a training treat the size of a pea, or a single piece of kibble from their meal.
Praise is just as important as the treat. Use an excited, happy tone so your dog knows they did something right. Some dogs are more motivated by play than food; if your dog is one of them, play a quick game of fetch or tug after they go outside instead of (or in addition to) giving a treat. The goal is to make going outside the most rewarding thing that happens all day.
Do not wait until you are back inside to reward. If you bring your dog in and then give a treat five minutes later, they will not understand why they got it. The timing is everything. Also avoid saying "good potty" or similar phrases before they go—that teaches them the words mean something is about to happen, not that something good just happened.
Confine your dog when you cannot watch them closely
Dogs naturally avoid soiling the space where they sleep and eat. Use this instinct by keeping your small dog in a crate or a small, blocked-off room (like a bathroom or laundry room) when you cannot supervise them. The space should be large enough for a bed and water bowl but small enough that your dog cannot go to the bathroom in one corner and sleep in another. A crate is ideal because it is portable and mimics a den.
Choose a crate size based on your dog's adult weight, not their current size. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so much room that they can go to the bathroom in one corner and avoid it. If the crate is too large, your dog will soil one end and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose. Most small dogs do well in a 24-inch or 30-inch crate.
Never use the crate as punishment. Your dog should see it as a safe, comfortable space. Leave the door open during the day so they can go in and out freely. Only close the door when you leave the house or cannot watch them. Most dogs will hold their bladder in a crate for their age in months plus one hour—a four-month-old puppy can usually hold it for five hours, but that does not mean you should wait that long. Take them out more often than they can hold it so they never have an accident in the crate.
Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent
When your dog has an accident indoors, do not yell or punish them. Punishment teaches fear, not bladder control. Instead, clean the spot thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie. Regular soap and water or standard cleaners do not break down the urine compounds, so your dog can still smell where they went and will return to that spot.
Blot up the accident with paper towels first, then spray the enzymatic cleaner on the spot and let it sit for the time the product recommends (usually 10 to 15 minutes). Wipe it up and let the area dry completely. If you have a black light, you can use it to find old accident spots you may have missed; they will glow under the light. Clean those spots too.
If your dog has a favorite accident spot indoors, block access to it temporarily if you can, or place a water bowl or bed there—dogs are less likely to soil areas where they eat or sleep. Once the spot is thoroughly cleaned and your dog has gone several weeks without accidents, you can remove the barrier.
Avoid puppy pads and paper training if you can manage the schedule
Puppy pads and newspaper can seem like a shortcut, but they often slow down housetraining. When you give your dog a designated indoor spot to go, you are teaching them that going indoors is acceptable. Later, when you try to stop them from using the pads, they may become confused about where they are supposed to go. Some dogs never fully transition from pads to outdoors.
If you absolutely cannot manage a strict outdoor schedule—for example, if you work long hours with no way to hire help—pads are better than constant accidents. Place them in a consistent spot away from your dog's sleeping and eating areas. Reward your dog for using the pads just as you would for going outside. Once your schedule allows, gradually move the pads closer to the door, then outside, to transition your dog to outdoor training.
The same caution applies to indoor litter boxes or grass patches marketed for small dogs. They work for some dogs, but they can also teach your dog that indoors is an acceptable bathroom. If your goal is for your dog to go outside exclusively, skip these tools and stick to the outdoor schedule instead.
Handle setbacks and stubborn small dogs with patience
Some small dogs, especially toy breeds, are slower to housetrain than others. If your dog is still having frequent accidents after three months of consistent training, talk to your veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue. Infections are common in small dogs and cause frequent, urgent urination that is not a training problem.
If your vet confirms your dog is healthy, go back to basics: tighten the schedule even more, increase the frequency of outdoor breaks, and make sure you are rewarding when ready. Some dogs need six months or longer to be reliably housetrained. This is not failure; it is just how some dogs learn. Stay consistent and do not give up.
If your dog has an accident in front of you, interrupt calmly (a straightforward "uh-uh" or "no"), take them outside when ready, and reward if they finish outside. Do not rub their nose in it, yell, or show anger. Your dog will not understand that you are upset about the accident; they will only learn to be afraid of you or to hide when they need to go.
Transition from frequent breaks to a normal adult schedule gradually
Once your dog has gone two to four weeks without accidents, you can begin spacing out outdoor breaks slightly. Increase the time between trips by 30 minutes at a time. If your dog has an accident when you extend the schedule, go back to the previous schedule for another week or two before trying again. Most small dogs can move to a four-to-six-times-daily schedule by six months old.
Adult small dogs typically need to go out four to six times per day for life. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. Small bladders straightforward require more frequent breaks than large dogs. If you cannot commit to this schedule long-term, potty training will be frustrating for both you and your dog. Make sure your living situation and work schedule can support multiple daily outdoor breaks before you bring a small dog home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to potty train a small dog?
Most small dogs can be reliably housetrained by four to six months old if you start early and stay consistent. Some take longer, especially toy breeds. Consistency matters more than speed; a dog trained slowly with a tight schedule will be more reliable than one trained quickly with gaps in supervision.
Should I use puppy pads or go straight to outdoor training?
Outdoor training is faster and cleaner if you can manage the schedule. Puppy pads teach your dog that indoors is acceptable, which can slow the transition to outdoor-only training. Use pads only if your schedule does not allow frequent outdoor breaks, and plan to transition to outdoors once your situation changes.
What do I do if my small dog refuses to go outside?
Some dogs are nervous about going outside, especially in bad weather or unfamiliar areas. Start by taking your dog to the same quiet spot every time so they feel safe. Use high-value treats and praise. If your dog is fearful, move slowly and do not force them. A short walk around the block before the bathroom break can also help them relax.
Can I housetrain a small dog that is already an adult?
Yes, adult dogs can be housetrained using the same methods as puppies, though it may take longer if they have had years of indoor accidents. Start with a strict schedule, frequent outdoor breaks, and when ready rewards. Rule out medical issues with your vet first, since adult dogs sometimes have accidents due to infections or other health problems.
Is my small dog having accidents because they are marking territory?
Marking (small amounts of urine in multiple spots) is different from full bladder accidents. Marking is more common in unneutered males and can be reduced by spaying or neutering. If your dog is neutered or spayed and still marking, consult your vet to rule out a urinary tract infection, then work with a trainer on behavioral solutions.