Potty training a puppy in an apartment

Potty training in a flat comes with its own challenges: no garden, a lift between you and the grass, and a lot of floors to protect. The good news is that puppies learn quickly when you're consistent. Most are reliable within a few weeks to a few months.

Decide on the potty spot

Pick one and stick to it:

• Outdoors, downstairs: the best long-term goal, but you'll need to get there quickly.
• A pee pad or tray indoors: useful for young puppies and long working days.
• A balcony spot with a tray or artificial grass patch: a good middle ground for many flats.

Many families start with an indoor spot and gradually move it outdoors once the puppy can hold it longer.

The schedule is everything

Young puppies can't hold it long. A rough guide is their age in months plus one, in hours (a 2-month-old can often hold it for around 3 hours during the day). Take your puppy to the spot:

• First thing in the morning
• After every meal and drink
• After every nap
• After play sessions
• Before bed
• Every 1–2 hours in between, for young puppies

How to teach it

1. Take your puppy to the spot on a lead or carry them.
2. Wait quietly. Don't play or distract.
3. Say a cue word like "go potty" as they start.
4. Praise and treat immediately after, right there on the spot.
5. Then play or go back inside.

Use scent to guide them

Puppies like to go where they smell they've gone before. A Toilet Training Spray sprayed on the pad or chosen spot helps attract your puppy there. Read how toilet training sprays work.

Handling accidents

Accidents will happen. When they do:

• Don't scold or rub their nose in it. It teaches puppies to hide from you, not to go in the right place.
• If you catch them mid-way, calmly pick them up and take them to the spot.
• Clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner, so the smell doesn't draw them back.

Night time

Keep your puppy's sleeping area close to you, and take them out once in the night for the first few weeks if they wake and whine. Limit water an hour or so before bed (but never restrict water during the day).

Lift and stairs tips

• Carry small puppies so they don't go in the corridor.
• Keep a spare pad near the door for emergencies.
• Be ready with lead and shoes so the trip is quick.

When to call the vet

If your puppy suddenly has more accidents, strains, cries while peeing, or has blood in the urine, see your vet. It could be a urinary infection. For more new-puppy basics, read our new puppy checklist.