Guide · UK sources · checked 5 October 2026

Toilet training, socialising and early training.

The first months set up everyday life with any dog. This guide sets out what UK charities say about house training, getting a puppy used to the world, reward-based training and being left alone.

Toilet training

Take the dog out after sleeping, eating or drinking, play and exercise, and when very excited, and reward straight away when it toilets outdoors (Dogs Trust, RSPCA, PDSA).
Do not punish accidents. Dogs Trust says scolding can lead a dog to hide it; clean up and learn the dog’s signs that it needs to go (PDSA).
How often depends on age and the sources differ: RSPCA suggests roughly every 45 to 60 minutes for a young puppy, PDSA suggests about every two to three hours by day, so treat these as starting points and adjust to your puppy.
It can take a few months to become reliable (Dogs Trust). An adult or rescue dog that has not been house trained follows the same steps but may take longer.
A previously trained adult that starts having accidents may have a medical problem, stress or a routine change. Dogs Trust says to see the vet first.

Socialising a puppy

The sources describe gradual, positive introductions to people, other dogs, sounds, places and objects, paired with rewards, stopping if the puppy is worried or overexcited (Dogs Trust, PDSA). Dogs Trust says an overwhelmed puppy may be more likely to develop behaviour problems as an adult. Before full vaccination, Dogs Trust suggests carrying the puppy on outings and waiting until it is fully vaccinated for dog introductions. PDSA also describes safe gardens and meeting known, fully vaccinated older dogs. Ask your vet which places and introductions are suitable for your puppy and about vaccination timing.

Limits: these pages are about puppies. They describe a sensitive window of roughly the first few months (PDSA says 4 to 12 weeks, Dogs Trust the first four months) without citing evidence, so treat it as approximate. We found no source here on helping an older, under-socialised dog; ask your rescue, vet or an accredited behaviourist.

Reward-based training and puppy classes

PDSA describes reward-based training as the kindest and most effective approach: reward the behaviour you want, at or just after it happens. It says shouting, hitting, water pistols, rattle cans and choke chains cause fear and slow learning; those claims are uncited, but they match the RSPCA’s and Dogs Trust’s advice to avoid pain and fear.
The RSPCA suggests choosing trainers registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, watching a class first, and looking for calm, supportive teaching that suits nervous dogs. Dogs Trust notes that anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, so check credentials and ask about methods.
The Royal Kennel Club’s Good Citizen scheme has four levels from Puppy Foundation to Gold and is open to any breed or crossbreed. It is one option; we have no evidence on how well it works.

Mouthing and nipping

Dogs Trust says puppies mouth because of teething, exploring, excitement and play. Redirect to a suitable toy before biting starts, reward calm choices, keep household rules consistent and avoid punishment or rough play. Ask your vet if it is sudden or getting worse, and seek behaviour support if it is fear-based or not improving. Do not wait for a particular age to ask for help.

Being left alone

Dogs Trust and PDSA both say to build up alone time very gradually, starting while you are still in the house, and Dogs Trust suggests settled bedding, a gate and a long-lasting chew. Both advise not routinely leaving adult dogs for more than about four hours. This is charity guidance, not a guaranteed tolerance or a training target: puppies, unwell dogs and dogs new to your home may need much shorter periods. Reduce the time if the dog shows stress. Signs include panting, pacing, vocalising, toileting and destruction; rule out medical causes with your vet and ask an accredited behaviourist for help if it continues.

Sources

Limits: general charity guidance, mostly undated and uncited, much of it written for puppies. It is not a substitute for a vet or accredited behaviourist, and no product or trainer is recommended. Nothing here changes breed matching.

← Getting ready for your dog