My puppy prefers indoor potty pads. How do I train her to go outside?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I'm currently house training a 5 month old Pomsky puppy. She came home with me at 4 months old and the breeder didn't start potty training her. For the most part, my puppy will go on the potty pads inside but not go outside in the grass or on a potty pad. She seems to prefer going inside instead. I've praised and rewarded her for every time she goes outside (right as she finishes) and feed and take her out at the same times (every hour) every day. Do you have any advise? Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 7th, 2019
If you want her to go potty outside only, I would remove the potty pads as this is likely just confusing her. Giving her the option of both may confuse her as to where the appropriate place to go potty is. Instead, taking her out every 1-2 hours, and establishing a routine of going out after eating, drinking, playing, waking up, etc, can help get her used to the fact that outside = go potty time, along with your treats and rewards. If she has an accident inside, moving her outside to let her finish is best, as well as using an enzymatic cleaner to remove any residue and discourage going potty there again. I'm also attaching a few articles that may help! https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-housetrain-your-dog-or-puppy-using-a-potty-cue/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-tips-to-potty-train-your-dog-young-and-old/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-housetraining-mistakes/
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 16th, 2018
Your pups are very cute! To teach them to potty outside, you will need to take them out frequently and reward them with treats for doing their business outside on the grass. Inside, they should be supervised at all times to prevent accidents, or confined to a crate or a room with a hard floor when you're not able to watch them. Housetraining takes patience and consistency. Here is an article with some additional information about housetraining puppies that you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining/0
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 29th, 2016
Your puppy is not using the pads because he is young. he is using them because they are there, and because he's been taught to. I do not recommend starting puppies on the pads, because now you have to untrain that behavior and train a new one. First, do not put down any more pads. Put him on a leash and take him outside to his designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as he starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as he goes. When he is finished, bring him directly back inside. If he does not go after a reasonable amount of time, bring him in but do not remove the leash. Attach it to your belt loop and keep him with you. When you see him start to circle or sniff, take him right outdoors again and repeat the process. If he does mess in the house, do not scold him unless you actually catch him in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take him right outside. Tell him to "go outside" and praise as he finishes. For further assistance with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 20th, 2018
What a cute puppy! Potty training can be quite frustrating. I highly recommend the method outline by veterinary behaviorist Sophia Yin (and used it successfully with my own dog). You can read about her method at https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/a_foolproof_potty-training_plan/ which also has a link for a free download of the potty training chapter from her book. This method involves using a crate or pen at least during the potty training period and very close supervision if the puppy is free in the home. She discusses cues that your pup may be getting ready to have an accident so you can stop them before it happens and bring them outside! It can take a bit of time, but if you follow her guidelines, it is the most effective method! Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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