How to Potty Train Small Dogs

If your small dog is proving to be a challenge to potty train, start it on a simple routine. Since small dogs have small bladders, frequently take your dog outside to a designated space. Encourage it to toilet using command words and reward it with verbal praise or treats when it successfully goes. Be consistent in your expectations and your dog will soon get the hang of toileting in the appropriate place.

Method One of Three:
Establishing a Routine
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Start potty training as soon as you can. If you're bringing the new dog home, ensure that you're ready to begin training immediately. The sooner your small dog associates toileting with the appropriate space, the easier it will be to train it.[1]
Keep in mind that all breeds are different and your small dog is an individual. Some dogs pick up potty training quickly while others need more practice.
If your dog is still a puppy, you can start the training process right away, but remember that puppies under 8 weeks old have poor bladder control and won't be able to get it down perfectly until they're older.
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Choose a designated place to toilet. Pick a place outside where you'd like your small dog to go. When you take your dog outside, walk it right to the spot. Avoid letting it wander around or run off when it's time to toilet.[2]
Be in the habit of letting the dog toilet first thing when you go outside. Then let your dog go for a walk or play once it's finished.
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Make potty breaks part of the daily schedule. If your small dog is still a puppy, you'll need to take it to the toilet spot every 20-30 minutes, which gives your puppy a better chance of being in the toilet spot at the right time. If your small dog is an adult, plan on taking your dog outside at regular intervals throughout the day. For example, give your small dog the chance to toilet:[3]
First thing in the morning
Right before bed at night
After being in a crate
After meals or drinking
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Be consistent in your expectations. Dogs learn best by repetition, so stick with your toileting routine every day. If you don't follow your own schedule, the dog will be confused and is more likely to have an accident.[4]
For example, if you usually take your dog outside after meals, but forget to one day, your dog may have an accident because it's used to going at a set time.

Method Two of Three:
Taking the Dog Out

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Lead your dog outside and say a command word such as "go potty." Keep your small puppy on a leash and walk it over to the place where you'd like it to toilet. Let it walk around the space for a bit. Once it starts to go, and say a word or phrase that they'll associate with the action. Later, you'll be able to say the cue word as a trigger; right now, you're still building the mental link.[5]
For example, say, "do your business," or "go pee."
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Reward your dog with praise and food treats. As soon as you see your dog successfully toileting in the right place, say the cue word, then give it lots of verbal praise such as "Good job!" or a small dog treat. Reward it immediately so it associates going in that place with good things.[6]
If you're giving your small dog a treat, keep the treat small as well. The treat should be soft and pea-sized such as a bit of chicken or beef.
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Give your dog another chance if it doesn't toilet the first time. If you've taken your dog outside as part of your regular schedule but it didn't pee or poop, bring it back inside and put it in its crate. Keep it in the crate for 15 minutes and then take it back outside to try again. Continue to do this until the dog toilets.[7]
This will help it understand that it has to toilet in that one space.
If you don't have a crate, keep your dog leashed and tie the leash to your belt. Then take it outside after the 15 minutes are up.
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Clean up accidents to prevent your dog from toileting there again. When you notice that your small dog has had an accident, immediately stop and clean up the mess. Use a pet odor neutralizer spray and blot the mess. It's important to remove the scent so your dog doesn't return to toilet there in the future.[8]
If your dog has toiled on cushions, bedding, or blankets, add 1 pound (450 g) of baking soda to your laundry detergent. Wash the items and dry it completely. If you still smell urine, wash the items again with an enzymatic cleanser.
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Avoid yelling at your dog. Expect that mistakes will happen as your small dog learns to toilet in the appropriate place. Never yell or shout at your dog when this happens since dogs don't learn through punishment.[9]
You should also avoid rubbing your dog's nose in its mess, striking the dog, or throwing things at it. These abusive actions will only frighten the dog and damage your relationship.