Housebreaking Age. While you can start taking puppies 5 or 6 weeks of age outside to encourage elimination, true housebreaking should start around 7 or 8 weeks.This is the age at which puppies are able to start understanding routines and rules, so the learning process is easier for them to comprehend.hile you can start taking puppies 5 or 6 weeks of age outside to encourage elimination, true housebreaking should start around 7 or 8 weeks.