If you’re thinking about adopting a puppy for the first time, there’s A LOT to consider beyond how cute and adorable they are: It’s also a really big commitment - anywhere from 12-18 years, to be exact - so it’s not a decision to make lightly or impulsively.

Housebreaking your pup requires being be prepared with the right equipment and a plan for how to best potty train your puppy based on your particular living situation. The ideal way to house train a puppy is by keeping it in a crate or playpen when it is not being supervised and getting your puppy to the right spot, at the right time, in order to teach it where the potty is.