Accidents are a bummer, but puppy potty training in Los Angeles is just the first of many major training milestones you’ll soon reach with your new bundle of fun and fur. It may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be messy, stressful, or frustrating. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is often a joyful experience, purely paw-sitive – that is, until you find a surprise on your super chic Persian rug!
At Pawsitive K9 Solutions, we believe in turning every challenge into an opportunity for connection, growth, and success. We asked our top-tier trainers for their best housebreaking tips and are now proud to present your new, no-stress guide for simplified puppy potty training.
Set your pup up for potty training success; read on now!
Why Does Puppy Potty Training Feel So Overwhelming?
We get it – we, too, want to skip all the tough stuff and focus on fun stuff with our new precious pooch. Unfortunately, you have to put in the work upfront to reap the rewards down the line. That’s because, just like us, puppies are born with no understanding of bathroom etiquette. They go when they want, where they want, enough said.
Many new dog parents make the mistake of expecting too much too soon. They wonder why their pup won’t hold their bladder, if there’s something wrong with the dog, maybe they “got a bad one,” or maybe they’re the ones doing something wrong!
It’s a whirlwind of emotions and a lot for new pet parents who are already doing a lot to acclimate that pup into their home. Don’t worry; this is normal! However, remember that housebreaking isn’t just about routines and schedules; it’s also about effective communication. It’s about teaching language, cues, and behaviors.
We’re all about stress-free puppy training at Pawsitive K9 Solutions, so our approach centers on patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement potty training. Let’s break our plan down into super easy steps.
Puppy Potty Training in Los Angeles Step 1: Create a Predictable Routine
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? You practice!
It’s an old saying, but it’s applicable here because everything we do with our dogs is a rehearsal. We’re rehearsing behaviors that they will normalize as they grow, and puppies thrive on routines. So, it’s our job to build a strong foundation of consistency. Here’s a quick guide on how often you should aim to take your pup outside in those first few crucial weeks:
- 8–10 weeks old: Potty every hour and after every meal, nap, or play session.
- 10–12 weeks old: Every 1.5–2 hours
- 12–16 weeks old: Every 2–3 hours
As they grow, they will develop the muscles to hold their bladders longer, but taking them often is very helpful in their early stages. Try to take your pup to the same potty spot every time and use a leash, even if it’s your backyard. The leash lets them know we’re here for business, not playtime!
Puppy Potty Training in Los Angeles Step 2: Use the Right Tools
You don’t need dozens of go-go gadgets to potty train your pooch, but the right setup can make a world of difference. At the very least, consider grabbing the following.
Use a crate
Crate training may appear cruel, but it’s the standard tactic for housebreaking for a reason. Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, which means an appropriately sized crate helps teach bladder control and sets clear boundaries.
This one, in our opinion, is a must!
Consider a Puppy Playpen or Gated Area
Creating a designated area where they can have free rein gives them a little more room to stretch out but also gives them a chance to pee or poop where they please. We recommend proceeding to one of these options, as sending the wrong message right from the start may be counterproductive.
Pee Pads for Puppy Potty Training
Some folks don’t like the idea of their pet using the potty indoors, but in certain circumstances, these can still be useful. Properly utilized wee wee pads help teach your puppy to hold their bladders until they’re in the “right” place while also reducing the amount of cleaning you wind up doing in the early stages.
Use only when outdoor access isn’t possible; transition away from them as soon as you can, and you’ll be sure to avoid confusion.
Enzyme Cleaner
You can certainly try using Resolve or another carpet cleaner, but there’s a reason trainers recommend enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle. As it would turn out, that same enzyme that signals to other dogs that someone has “marked” the territory is what encourages your dog to revisit the scene of the crime, even if you already cleaned it with a regular household cleaner.
So, that’s why you may see your precious pooch becoming a repeat offender unless you’re using an enzyme cleaner, that is. Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle to save yourself the headache. Trust us!
Puppy Potty Training in Los Angeles Step 3: Reinforce the Good Stuff
We’re huge advocates for positive reinforcement potty training; that is to say, we believe your pup deserves a reward for the good stuff! So, try not to think of potty training as a chore you have to do every few hours. Instead, make it an adventure!
Let them explore their surroundings, check out all the cool sights and sounds, and visit their favorite pee spots along the way. Once they’re in position, be their literal cheerleader, providing plenty of positive reinforcement and verbal cues.
It’s helpful to settle on a specific word or cue to let them know what you want from them. Try using this word frequently when they’re sniffing around and about to go. Words like “pee pee,” “potty,” and “business” are good ones, but you can land on whatever works best for you and your pooch! Just try not to use it much outside of the context, as the word becomes meaningless if you say it way before they’re ready to go.
As soon as they finish, it’s party time! Throw a mini celebration by giving them treats, praise, or play. You want them to know that they’ve done something good, and you’re totally excited for them!
Puppy Potty Training in Los Angeles Step 4: Stay Patient & Stay Positive while Potty Training in Los Angeles
Remember, every puppy learns at his own pace. Some pick it up in a week, others take a month or more. Nighttime control often takes longer, especially for smaller breeds. So, don’t assume you have a bad dog or that you’re doing a bad job if they don’t get potty trained quickly or if they experience setbacks down the line.
Celebrate small wins, shrug off the accidents, and, with consistency and care, accidents will become rarer and eventually nonexistent. You can do this!
Final Word: A Cleaner Home, a Closer Bond with Your LA Puppy
Potty training may feel like a messy milestone (and it kinda is), but it’s also a powerful opportunity to build trust and communication with your new pup. Every trip outside is a chance to bond, teach, and grow together, and you’ll ultimately become better friends for it.
Plus, you don’t have to go it alone. You can always give us a call here at Pawsitive K9 Solutions, and we’ll offer the expertise of some of the best luxury dog trainers in Los Angeles. Whether you need help building a personalized training plan or want hands-on coaching from a professional, we’re here to make every step easier (and cleaner!).
Don’t wait for accidents to become habits. Contact us today, and we’ll work together to set your puppy up for long-term success!
Happy training!
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