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7 Secrets to Quickly Potty Training a Lhasa Apso

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 27, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may include affiliate links where we are paid a commission at no additional cost to you. 

Potty training a Lhasa Apso can be challenging for many dog owners, especially for those who have never owned a dog before. These small, intelligent dogs can be stubborn at times, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can quickly and effectively train your Lhasa Apso to go potty outside. In this article, we will share seven secrets to help you potty train your Lhasa Apso in the most efficient way possible. These tips are designed to work for both puppies and adult dogs, so whether you’re starting from scratch or just need to reinforce good potty habits, you’ll find some helpful advice here.

Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Lhasa Apso, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.

1. Start Potty Training Your Lhasa Apso Early and Be Consistent

The sooner you begin potty training your Lhasa Apso, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Lhasa Apso to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.

2. Give Your Lhasa Apso Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Lhasa Apso successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.

3. Monitor Your Lhasa Apso’s Behavior

Pay attention to your Lhasa Apso’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.

RELATED: Need to potty train your Lhasa Apso quickly? Try this affordable online course

4. Confine Your Lhasa Apso to a Small Area

When you’re not able to supervise your Lhasa Apso, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.

5. Gradually Increase Your Lhasa Apso’s Freedom

As your Lhasa Apso becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.

6. Try Using Potty Bells

Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Lhasa Apso know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Lhasa Apso to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this: 

7. Be Patient with Your Lhasa Apso and Stay Positive

Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Lhasa Apso for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.

8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course

If you’ve tried everything and your Lhasa Apso is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.

Our 2 favorite online courses are:

1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course

This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Lhasa Apso quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”

More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Lhasa Apso

How do I know when my Lhasa Apso needs to go potty?

You can observe your Lhasa Apso’s behavior, such as sniffing around, circling, or whining, as these may indicate that they need to go potty. Additionally, puppies tend to need to go potty more frequently, so keep an eye out for signs that your Lhasa Apso needs to go outside.

At what age should I begin potty training a Lhasa Apso puppy?

It’s best to start potty training your Lhasa Apso puppy as soon as possible, ideally around 8 to 12 weeks of age. This is when they start to develop bladder control and can begin to learn proper bathroom habits.

How can I potty train an adult Lhasa Apso?

Adult Lhasa Apsos can still be potty trained, although it may take a bit longer than training a puppy. Consistency is key, so establish a routine and take your Lhasa Apso outside frequently. Be patient and consistent with positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior, and ignoring accidents.

How long does it take to potty train a Lhasa Apso puppy?

The length of time it takes to potty train a Lhasa Apso puppy can vary, but typically it can take several weeks to a few months. Consistency and patience are important, as every puppy learns at their own pace.

How often should I take my Lhasa Apso outside for potty breaks?

Puppies typically need to go outside every 1-2 hours, while adult Lhasa Apsos can usually hold it for longer periods of time, up to 6-8 hours. However, it’s still important to take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.

How should I potty train my Lhasa Apso in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?

If you don’t have a yard, you can still potty train your Lhasa Apso in an apartment by designating a specific spot for them to go, such as a pee pad or litter box. Be consistent with taking them to this spot and rewarding good behavior. Gradually move the designated spot closer to the door and eventually outside, to transition them to going potty outdoors.

What’s the best online training course to potty train a Lhasa Apso?

Our 2 favorite online courses are:

1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course

This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Lhasa Apso quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”

More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

In conclusion, potty training a Lhasa Apso can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be done quickly and effectively. By following the seven secrets outlined in this article, you can help your Lhasa Apso puppy learn the appropriate place to go potty and minimize accidents in your home. Remember, consistency and patience are key, and always reward your puppy for good behavior. With time and effort, your Lhasa Apso will become a well-trained and obedient companion, and you can enjoy a clean and comfortable home environment.

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