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Puppy won't potty in the bathroom. How do I train him indoors?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 25 days old

I want to teach my puppy to poop and pee in the bathroom, because i can't get him outside. Every time he does his stuff outside the bathroom, i make him smell it then i take him to the bathroom and tells him to do it here. But he turned to be stubborn. Because every time i feel that he is going to do his stuff and carry him to the bathroom he doesn't pee or poop, but he does that once i let him outside the bathroom. Please tell me how can i teach him to do his stuff in the bathroom?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 26th, 2017

I'm sorry that you're having this problem with your pup! I don't think he's stubborn at all - he just doesn't understand what you want.

If Zatar is only about 8 weeks old, he's too young to be able to have much control over his bowels or bladder yet - so it's normal for him to "go" wherever he happens to be when he gets the urge. Most pups naturally want to use the bathroom on absorbent surfaces, so I would recommend covering the bathroom floor in potty pads for now if that's the area you eventually want him to use.

Every 20-30 minutes or so, and after every meal, take him into the bathroom with you and close the door. Sit with him and be patient - if he uses the bathroom, praise and reward him right away with a treat. If he doesn't, then put him in a crate or keep him with you on a leash so that you can watch him closely - then bring him back to the bathroom right away if you see him starting to squat. Then praise and reward when he finishes up there.

It's very important not to punish him for accidents, as this will only make him afraid to potty in front of you - which will make it much harder to teach him what you want! Please don't make him smell his urine or stool and scold him, as he won't understand this at all - it will only confuse and scare him.

Potty training usually takes several weeks or even months before your puppy will be reliable, so be patient and understand that you will need to watch him closely and be very consistent for a long time in order for him to "get it." Good luck - I hope that helps a bit! :)
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