The Dog Whisperer breaks down a simple method to make sure your pup knows where to go when nature calls.
The ‘Dog Whisperer’ Cesar Millan shares 4 tips to puppy potty training
Potty training your dog just got easier. Part 1 of The Puppy Problem Solver Series with Cesar Millan.
Every new puppy parent faces the same challenge: how do you turn adorable chaos into a well-trained companion? If you’ve ever searched for answers online, you’re not alone—pet owners everywhere are looking for expert advice to help their dogs thrive.
That’s why we sat down with world-renowned dog behaviorist Cesar Millan to ask him the most-searched questions about dog training—straight from pet owners like you. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share practical, proven tips in The Puppy Problem Solver Series—a special feature from USA TODAY Pets, your resource for expert guidance at every stage of pet ownership.
Millan has been training dogs — and their owners—for over 25 years. Throughout nine seasons of his reality TV series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, he helped rehabilitate scores of dogs, big and small. His message emphasizes calm confidence, encouraging pet parents to embrace their role as the pack leader in their home.
In this first installment, Millan breaks down his step-by-step approach to house training your puppy. From setting a consistent schedule to recognizing your dog’s signals, his advice will help you and your pup start off on the right paw. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, you’ll find actionable insights to make life with your four-legged friend easier—and more rewarding.
So where do you start? Millan shares a simple, step by step approach to helping your puppy learn where—and when—to go. Let’s dive in!
Take house training your dog step by step
Millan’s method has a simple formula:
- Take your puppy outside for a potty break at consistent times.
- Observe their behavior throughout the day after eating or drinking.
- Reward successes with praise.
- Be patient—accidents are part of the process.
Set a schedule — and keep to it
When potty training your puppy, Millan says the “best trick is for you to be consistent with the dog.” Practice taking your dog outside to do their business at the same time each day. Puppies cannot hold their bladder for very long, so they should be given regular opportunities to relieve themselves. A good estimate is one hour for every month old they are. For example, a three-month-old puppy can hold it for about three hours. There are also common times when you can anticipate they will need to go potty. These include: first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime and before bed.
The American Kennel Club stresses that keeping a consistent routine is important for dogs at every stage of life. Your puppy is a new member of the family, and they will need to adjust to an unfamiliar environment. Knowing what to expect throughout the day can reduce anxiety for your dog and prevent accidents.
Get to know your four-legged friend
Recognizing patterns in your dog’s behavior can ease the house-training process. Millan recommends observing your dog’s bathroom habits and structuring your potty training around their daily rhythms.
“You have to know after the dog drinks water; how long does it take for the dog to pee? … How long does it take for the dog to have (a) bowel movement?”
Establishing a routine gives you control as a pet parent. Based on your observations, “you give water and then you take the dog to wherever you want him to use the bathroom.”
You can tell that your dog needs to relieve themselves by paying attention to their body language. Common signals include sniffing, circling, squatting, or whining. These are all signs to take your pup outside so they can do their business.
Don’t be discouraged
Keep in mind that potty training is a months-long process. You will need to be patient and persistent while teaching your new dog the house rules. Repetition is crucial. There may be occasional setbacks, but consistent enforcement of the rules and praise for good behavior helps them learn.
