The First Thing to Teach Your Dog: Potty Training

Owner’s often ask, “What is the first thing to teach your dog” when bringing home a new puppy. It’s exciting—those tiny paws, wagging tail, and puppy kisses melt your heart instantly. But let’s be real… along with the cuteness comes one big question: Where do I even start with training?

The very first thing you should teach your dog is potty training. Why? Because a puppy who knows where to go potty sets the stage for a calmer home, easier training, and a lot less stress for everyone.

Why Potty Training Comes First

Potty training, why is it the first thing to teach your dog? It isn’t just about keeping your floors clean (though that’s a huge win). It teaches your puppy structure and introduces them to one of the most important life skills—living in harmony with their people. Dogs thrive on clear boundaries, and potty training gives you the chance to start establishing those right away.

Here are the Steps to Potty Training Your Dog:

1. Use the Crate
2. Set A Schedule
3. Utilize a Potty Spot
4. Handle Accidents Calmly

Step One: Use the Crate

Your puppy’s crate will be your best potty-training tool. Dogs don’t like to potty where they sleep, so using a crate helps them learn bladder control and teaches them that going outside is the right choice. Keep the crate small enough that your puppy can’t potty in one corner and sleep in the other.

Step Two: Set a Schedule

Puppies thrive on routine. Take your puppy out:

• Immediately after waking up
• After meals and water
• After playtime
• Every time they come out of the crate

We want you to succeed. We have the best puppy schedule for you. Click here to download it for free. 

At night, expect to get up at least once or twice the first week or so. As you work with your puppy, and you have a proper schedule, they’ll be able to sleep through the night without a potty break. That can be as early as 8-9 weeks old. 

If your puppy is still not sleeping through the night at 12 weeks old, our “14-Day Crate and Potty Training Challenge” can give your sleep back in two weeks. 

Step Three: Pick a Potty Spot

Choose one spot outside with a clear boundary—like a patch of gravel, a corner of the yard, or an area marked with bricks. Always take your puppy there on a leash, wait quietly, and reward with praise or a treat when they finish. To learn more about teaching them how to go in a potty spot, read here.

Pro tip: Don’t praise your puppy until AFTER they have finished their business. 

Step Four: Handle Accidents Calmly

Accidents will happen. If you catch your puppy in the act, calmly interrupt with a leash correction and guide them straight outside. If you find a mess after the fact, just clean it up and adjust your schedule. Consistency is the secret sauce here.

Nighttime Potty Training

One of the reasons why potty training is the first thing to teach your dog is so you can sleep! When your puppy whines at night, wait for a brief pause in the noise before letting them out—this prevents teaching them that whining = freedom. Keep it quiet, business-only, and straight back to the crate.

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Final Thoughts: Potty Training, The First Thing to Teach Your Dog

Potty training is the first step to raising a well-mannered dog. It sets the tone for all future training—teaching your puppy patience, consistency, and trust in you as their leader. Stick with it for a few weeks, and you’ll trade frustration for freedom.

At Cornerstone Dog Training, we’ve walked countless families through this process. With the right tools, patience, and structure, your puppy will soon master potty training and move on to the next fun steps—like sit, down, and leash manners.

Start here, and the rest of your training journey will be so much smoother.