Common Potty Training Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)

Bringing home a new puppy is all fun and games—until you realize your adorable ball of fluff has no idea where they’re supposed to do their business. Potty training is one of the first big challenges new dog owners face, and trust me, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. But with a little patience (and a lot of cleaning supplies), I learned how to avoid the biggest potty training pitfalls.

So, what are the most common mistakes new dog owners make when potty training? And how can you avoid them? Let’s dive in!

Mistake #1: Inconsistent Routine = Confused Puppy

Dogs thrive on consistency, especially when it comes to potty training. If you take your pup out at random times or forget to reinforce good behavior, they won’t know what’s expected of them.

✅ How I Avoided This: I set a strict potty schedule—every 2-3 hours, after meals, after naps, and right before bedtime. My puppy knew exactly when it was time to go, which prevented a lot of accidents!

Mistake #2: Not Supervising Enough

It’s easy to assume your pup will “figure it out” over time, but leaving them unsupervised is a recipe for disaster. If you’re not watching them closely, accidents happen, and bad habits form.

✅ How I Avoided This: I used a combination of crate training and baby gates to keep my puppy in a controlled area when I couldn’t supervise. If they were out of the crate, I was actively watching for signs they needed to go!

Mistake #3: Punishing Accidents Instead of Rewarding Success

Yelling or scolding a puppy after an accident doesn’t teach them where to go—it just teaches them to be afraid of going potty in front of you. Some dogs will start sneaking off to do their business in secret, which makes training even harder.

✅ How I Avoided This: Instead of punishing accidents, I focused on positive reinforcement. Every successful potty trip outside earned my pup a treat and excited praise. They quickly learned that going outside = rewards!

Mistake #4: Expecting Too Much, Too Soon

Some owners assume potty training will be quick, but puppies have tiny bladders and limited control. If you expect them to be fully trained in a few days, you’re setting yourself (and them) up for frustration.

✅ How I Avoided This: I gave my puppy time to learn, expecting setbacks along the way. Every accident was just part of the process, and I didn’t rush them into holding it longer than they physically could.

Mistake #5: Not Using a Cue Word

If you don’t use a consistent cue word or phrase, your dog might not connect the dots between being outside and going potty.

✅ How I Avoided This: I used a simple phrase like “Go potty!” every time my puppy did their business. Over time, they associated the words with the action, which made potty breaks much faster!

Mistake #6: Skipping the Crate Training Step

Some owners feel bad about crate training, but in reality, a crate helps puppies learn bladder control. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, which encourages them to hold it until they’re let outside.

✅ How I Avoided This: I made my puppy’s crate a cozy, safe space—not a punishment. I sized it appropriately (big enough to stand and turn, but not too large), and only used it for short periods while potty training.

Mistake #7: Not Cleaning Accidents Properly

If your puppy has an accident and you only wipe it up with water or soap, they’ll still be able to smell the lingering scent—and might go in the same spot again.

✅ How I Avoided This: I am a huge fan of vinegar for eliminating pet odors (1 part vinegar/1part water), and I also used an enzyme based products to get rid of any scents I might be unaware of.

Final Thoughts: Potty Training Takes Time!

Potty training isn’t instant, and every dog learns at their own pace. The key is patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement—and of course, always keeping a sense of humor. (Because let’s be honest, you’ll probably have some fun stories to tell about those early days!)

If you’re in the middle of potty training, hang in there—it gets easier, and soon you’ll have a fully house-trained pup who knows exactly where to go! 🚀🐶

Have you made any funny or frustrating potty-training mistakes? Share your experiences in the comments!