House training is one of the first things you will teach your new puppy. This should be started as soon as you take your dog home, but it takes patience. In general, puppies are unable to control their bladders and bowels until 12 weeks of age. If your puppy is younger than that, extra patience is required. If you have an older puppy or even adult dog, house training is still possible. It may or may not take longer depending on your dog.