Written by Alain Courchesne, founder of Doggy Bathroom — designer of the original indoor potty system for small dogs.

Short Summary

Help your dog learn to use the Doggy Bathroom with structure, patience, and praise. These seven simple tips make potty training easy, consistent, and rewarding for both of you.

Quick Takeaways

• Start Simple — Introduce the Doggy Bathroom gradually, letting your dog explore and leave their scent.
• Use Positive Reinforcement — Praise and treats make learning faster and more enjoyable for your pup.
• Stay Consistent — Routine and repetition help your dog feel confident and understand what’s expected every day.

7 Ways to Train Your Dog to Use the Doggy Bathroom

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re likely the proud owner of a brand-new Doggy Bathroom. This is an exciting step for both you and your pup, giving them the independence to use the bathroom easily whenever they need to go.

If your dog is still getting used to puppy potty training, here are seven easy and effective ways to help them learn to use the Doggy Bathroom confidently.

1. Let Them Mark Their Territory

Dogs often choose the same spot to go because they’ve marked it before and are looking for their scent. You can use that instinct to your advantage.

Let your dog explore and sniff around their new Doggy Bathroom. Once they’ve left their scent, it becomes “their spot,” and they’ll return to it again and again. That’s part of natural dog potty training and helps make the transition smoother.

Every training session is a chance for your pup to learn where to go. Let them sniff and mark freely—it’s how young puppies make sense of their environment.

2. Layer Your Pee Pads

For stubborn dogs, try layering a used pee pad under a new one. This helps them follow the scent when it’s time to go. It’s one of the simplest dog training tips that works wonders for scent-based learning.

Encourage your dog to use their Doggy Bathroom, but make sure their paws are always on a fresh pad. You can find more helpful guidance in our blog on Potty Training with Pee Pads Using Positive Reinforcement.

3. Help Your Dog Get Inside

For small dogs and young puppies, stepping inside the Doggy Bathroom might feel unfamiliar at first. After walks or right after a drink, gently guide them to the Doggy Bathroom so they can connect the routine.

Smaller puppies often need to go 5–10 minutes after eating or drinking—making this the perfect time to practice. Consistency and positive reinforcement training go hand in hand during these early stages.

If your pup seems hesitant, shorten training sessions at first and focus on calm encouragement. Professional dog trainers often recommend breaking lessons into five-minute blocks to keep attention levels high.

4. Start with the Tray

If your pup is still small, start by using just the Tray with a pee pad on it. This helps them get comfortable with the setup before you introduce the full Doggy Bathroom enclosure. Gradually, as they grow, add the sides and roof to complete the system for the full experience.

For indoor living tips, read Best Indoor Dog Potty Solutions for Small Dogs to see how other owners create consistent routines.

5. Switch Out the Pee Pads

During early training, switching pee pads regularly is key to cleanliness and reinforcement. For dogs used to grass, you can place a small patch of turf on top of a pad to ease the transition indoors.

These small adjustments help your dog associate their Doggy Bathroom with comfort and familiarity.

6. Reward Your Pup’s Good Behavior

Each time your dog successfully uses the Doggy Bathroom, praise them warmly and offer a small treat. These dog training tips are rooted in positive reinforcement, one of the most effective ways to encourage long-term success when housebreaking a puppy.

If your dog hesitates or forgets, stay calm and redirect them back—patience is the key to steady progress. For additional help, visit our guide on Tips for Maintaining Consistency in Dog Potty Training.

7. Keep a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding, playtime, and potty breaks should happen at roughly the same times each day. Once your dog knows the rhythm, they’ll anticipate when to use their Doggy Bathroom.

This consistency helps prevent accidents, strengthens trust, and gives your pup the confidence to go on their own schedule.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Doggy Bathroom Easy to Clean

One secret to long-term success is maintenance. Dogs are more likely to use a clean indoor potty area, so replace pee pads regularly and wash surfaces with pet-safe cleaners. A hygienic setup helps your dog feel comfortable and reduces odours.

Final Thoughts

Training your dog to use the Doggy Bathroom doesn’t happen overnight, but with structure, patience, and positive reinforcement training, you’ll see lasting results.

For more helpful advice on keeping your dog’s routine smooth and stress-free, explore How to Set Up an Indoor Potty Area for Your Dog — it’s full of ideas to help your pup feel confident and consistent indoors.

Whether you’re training your puppy for the first time or helping an adult dog stay consistent, every small success matters. These dog training tips will help make your indoor potty system part of your dog’s everyday routine.

Each dog learns differently, so adjust your training sessions based on their progress. With time and encouragement, your indoor dog potty solutions—like the Doggy Bathroom—become part of your dog’s routine for life.

Recommended Reading

• Potty Training with Pee Pads Using Positive Reinforcement
• How to Set Up an Indoor Potty Area for Your Dog
• Tips for Maintaining Consistency in Dog Potty Training

About the Author

Alain Courchesne is the founder of Doggy Bathroom. As a designer and pet parent, he created the original indoor potty system for small dogs, trusted by thousands of owners across North America. His mission is to make pet ownership easier and more hygienic, with thoughtful solutions that adapt to modern living.