Many puppies poop in the house simply because they have not fully learned where and when they are supposed to go. Puppy potty training takes consistency, supervision, patience, and a predictable routine. The good news is that most puppies can be successfully house trained when owners use the right methods and avoid common mistakes that slow the process down.
In this post, I’ll explain how to stop a puppy from pooping in the house, including why accidents happen, how to create a successful potty training routine, mistakes to avoid, and what to do if your puppy still isn’t getting it. I’ll also share additional puppy potty training resources and a free step-by-step puppy potty training video series that can help make the process much easier.
👉 Check Out This Free Potty Training Video Series from Doggy Dan!
Why Puppies Poop in the House
Puppies are not born knowing they are supposed to go outside. Young puppies have very little bladder and bowel control, and they also do not yet understand your expectations.
Common reasons puppies poop in the house include:
- They are not being taken outside often enough.
- They do not have a consistent feeding schedule.
- They have too much freedom in the house too soon.
- Owners miss the puppy’s signals that they need to go.
- The puppy has not yet connected outside pottying with praise and rewards.
- The puppy was punished for accidents and became confused or fearful.
Understanding why accidents happen is important because punishment rarely solves the problem. Most puppies simply need clearer guidance and more consistency.
Create a Consistent Puppy Potty Training Schedule
One of the most important parts of potty training is routine. Puppies thrive on predictable schedules.
Take your puppy outside:
- First thing in the morning.
- Immediately after eating or drinking.
- After naps.
- After play sessions.
- Before bedtime.
- Every 1–2 hours for young puppies.
- Get a complete schedule for your new puppy here
Always bring your puppy to the same potty area whenever possible. This helps build a strong habit and association.
When your puppy poops outside, immediately reward them with praise, affection, or a small treat. Puppies learn much faster when good behavior is rewarded consistently.
Supervise Your Puppy Closely Indoors
Many potty training accidents happen simply because the puppy was unsupervised too long.
If your puppy starts sniffing, circling, wandering away, whining, or suddenly stopping play, they may need to go outside immediately.
Until your puppy becomes reliable:
- Keep them in the same room with you.
- Use baby gates to limit access to the house.
- Use a crate appropriately when you cannot supervise.
- Interrupt accidents calmly and take the puppy outside right away.
Do not yell, rub your puppy’s nose in accidents, or punish them after the fact. Puppies do not connect delayed punishment with earlier behavior.
I REPEAT: Do not rub your puppy’s nose in poop or pee. All that does is instill fear in the dog and literally teaches the puppy to eat poop! Also, please realize that if you discover a pile of poop or a puddle of pee, then punish the puppy for it – your puppy absolutely does not have the mental capability of realizing that they’re the ones that made the mess, that’s why you’re mad, that’s why they’re being yelled at or hit or assaulted, and therefore…they decide they won’t do it again.
Seriously. Please understand that your puppy just isn’t able to think that way. It’s your job as the puppy’s owner to properly train the puppy.
Feed Your Puppy on a Schedule
Free-feeding can make potty training much harder because bowel movements become unpredictable.
Instead:
- Feed meals at consistent times each day.
- Remove uneaten food after about 15–20 minutes.
- Pay attention to when your puppy usually poops after meals.
Most puppies need to poop shortly after eating, making this an ideal time for a potty trip outside.
Clean Accidents Properly
Dogs tend to return to areas that smell like previous bathroom spots. That is why proper cleaning matters so much.
Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet accidents. These cleaners help remove odors that humans may not detect but dogs still can.
The ASPCA’s house training guide also emphasizes the importance of consistency, supervision, and avoiding punishment during potty training.
What if Your Puppy Keeps Pooping in the House?
If your puppy continues having frequent accidents despite consistent training:
- Increase potty breaks.
- Reduce freedom in the house temporarily.
- Review whether feeding times are consistent.
- Watch more carefully for signals.
- Make sure everyone in the household follows the same routine.
If the problem suddenly worsens or your puppy seems ill, contact your veterinarian to rule out medical issues or parasites.
Read my post, What is the Best Way to Potty Train a Puppy? for more tips.
Also, make sure you watch Doggy Dan’s free potty training videos. He’ll teach you how to potty train your puppy correctly. Check it out here!
Doggy Dan’s Potty Training Troubles Program
My top recommendation for potty training a puppy is Doggy Dan’s Potty Training Troubles Program. It’s designed specifically for puppy owners who want a quick and simple solution that’s kind and effective. It helps puppy owners get control of the situation, stop accidents, and create a predictable routine your puppy can actually understand. You can read my complete review of the program here.
👉 Check Out the Potty Training Troubles Program Here
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Potty Training
How long does it take to potty train a puppy? Most puppies make significant progress within a few weeks, but full reliability can take several months depending on age, consistency, and breed.
Should I punish my puppy for pooping in the house? No. Punishment creates fear and confusion and can slow potty training progress.
Is crate training helpful for potty training? Yes. When used properly, crate training can help puppies learn bladder and bowel control.
How often should I take my puppy outside? Young puppies may need potty breaks every 1–2 hours, especially after eating, sleeping, or playing.
More Help with Dog and Puppy Potty Training
- Potty Training a Puppy
- How to House Train a Dog
- How to Potty Train an Adult Dog
- How to Stop Your Dog from Peeing in the House
- How to Get a Puppy to Tell You When They Need to Go Outside
- What's the Best Way to Potty Train a Puppy?
- How to Stop a Puppy from Pooping in the House
How to Stop a Puppy from Pooping in the House: Final Thoughts
Stopping a puppy from pooping in the house requires patience, supervision, consistency, and realistic expectations. Most puppies improve dramatically when owners stick to a predictable schedule, reward success, and prevent accidents before they happen.
If you are currently struggling with puppy potty training, try not to get discouraged. Almost every puppy owner goes through this stage. Stay consistent, keep practicing, and remember that your puppy is learning. With time and repetition, most puppies successfully become house trained.
You can also continue your puppy training journey with my Complete Puppy Training Guide.
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