A well behaved puppy ready for DTE's Lancaster dog potty training - contact us to schedule a free consultation!
Dog Training Elite

Dog & Puppy Potty Training in Lancaster, PA

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Potty Dog Training Could Help:
Reduce indoor accidents and messes
Establish a bathroom routine
Improve bladder control and timing
Address common potty training challenges
Strengthen communication between you and your dog
Prevent future potty training regressions

Because Life Really Is Better With a Trained Dog

Lancaster Dog Potty Training

Let’s be honest—potty training can feel like a full-time job in those early days. Whether it’s a brand-new puppy or an older dog with some lingering habits, the struggle is real. But the good news? You don’t have to face it alone.

At Dog Training Elite, potty training is included in every one of our puppy training programs and can be incorporated into obedience programs for older dogs.

Our trainers meet you where you are and help your dog develop the awareness and habits that lead to fewer accidents. If you’re looking for puppy potty training in Lancaster, PA, you’re in the right place.

See Training Packages
A golden retriever puppy laying on the floor - Dog Training Elite offers professional puppy potty training in Lancaster, PA.

Potty Training Is Where Obedience Begins


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Potty training is the first step in developing a well-behaved dog. It’s not just about avoiding accidents; it’s about shaping a confident, well-mannered dog you can enjoy wherever you go.

When a mature, healthy dog understands when and where to go, they also begin to understand structure, boundaries, and how to follow through. Starting early is important, and the sooner puppies are potty broken, the easier it is for them to learn advanced obedience skills.

What If It’s an Older Dog?

Potty challenges don’t just affect puppies. Some older dogs never got the right start, and others may be adjusting to a new home or routine, or marking territory.

Before jumping into training, we always suggest ruling out health issues like:

  • Bladder stones
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Incontinence or age-related conditions

If your dog gets the all-clear from the vet, then it’s time to look at behavior. Our trainers will help you identify what’s going on and create a realistic plan to turn things around.

Many of our clients are amazed by how quickly their older dogs adapt once they understand the expectations. You’re not stuck—you just need the right tools and support.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Corinne B.
    Apr. 27, 2025
    When we hired Dog Training Elite, we were in desperate need of help. Despite being a dachshund owner for almost 20 years, a new baby added a differently level of stress. Our doxies Otto and Ollie were gentle with the new baby, but so very territorial with incessant barking anytime they heard a delivery truck or when visitors stopped by, often waking the baby from precious sleep time. Betsy and her team were the salve to our situation. The team worked with our schedule, were extremely patient, and gave us the tools we needed to be successful with our doxies. They brought experience, knowledge and professionalism to every conversation and meeting. We are so grateful to Betsy and her team! Our baby is sleeping soundly again!
  • Paul Diorio
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite has been a fantastic experience. Betsy is the best! Not only did she train my dog but she helped me become more competent as a dog owner and continuing training on my own. Over a couple months of training Betsy helped us train Ranger to be more responsive and obedient especially when off lease. He is now a Certified Therapy Dog and passed the AKC Good Citizen Test! Highly recommend this team if you and your pup need help with training. They work great with your schedule and can really make a quick impact!
  • Barbara Hayward
    Apr. 2, 2025
    I researched dog training options when I purchased a new Labrador Retriever puppy 18 months ago. The philosophy and methods of Dog Training Elite appealed to me, and their practice of providing training sessions at my home made so much sense as it gave them a detailed understanding of the puppy's environment and my unique challenges. From the first moment Betsy came to my door, my then three month old Lab ADORED her. Betsy not only has wide and extensive experience with dog training for dogs of all ages, she also understands the characteristics and learning styles of different breeds, and she truly loves dogs, which makes them immediately trust and respond to her. We could not be more pleased with Dog Training Elite and recommend them to all our friends.
  • Richard Lanci
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Jaime was awesome- 1st lesson was very informative and in just one lesson we realized he is a great dog trainer and also a great dog owner trainer. We are looking forward to our next lesson.😁
  • G C
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Jamie is very knowledgeable! Both firm and kind, he worked with me to correct poor behavior when passing other dogs . By the end of the lesson, my dog was passing other dogs without incident. Thank you, Jamie!
  • Emma Cooper
    Nov. 7, 2023
    We had the best experience with Elite Dog Training! I could not be happier! Our trainer, Toni, was amazing to work with. We have seen great improvement in our dogs behavior. Worth every cent!!
  • Rachelle Storm
    Oct. 15, 2023
    I can not say enough about Toni and Betsy! I have had dogs all of my life and this is the first time that I am so Proud to have a really well behaved dog. I get compliments about my dog Sadie all the time. She is our first service dog that we trained through dog training elite and we are very pleased with their program! I now have the tools for life! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Philadelphia/Lancaster! Thank you so much Toni and Betsy! Rachelle and Bryan Storm
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    My GSD is aggressive with other dogs and children. The only dog training company I could find to work with her was Dog Training Elite! Lizzy is flowing the commands that were taught to us in our one on one sessions, has now started group sessions and did so well in her first session and climbed up and sat with the grandson for the first time! The trainers are so knowledgeable with dog training and they care about the dogs and families they help!! The best investment I ever made!! I highly recommend Dog training Elite with Betsy and her trainers!! All I can say is thank you for saving our dog!!!
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    I contacted many different dog trainers in the Lancaster area, but none of them was willing to work with dogs that had aggression issues with the exception of Dog Training Elite! I was afraid I would have to give up Lizzy my GSD because of her aggression toward children and other dogs. Then Betsy and Audra showed up at my door, assessed Lizzy and agreed to take her on!! Lizzy is doing so well with the commands and her confidence level has grown so much that she was playing with our grandson for the first time! These trainers are professional and know what they are doing!! And they love the dogs they train! I am no longer worried about losing Lizzy! All I can say is thank you for saving my dog!
  • Brittany Ritter
    Jul. 23, 2023
    This was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I have a Bernese Mountain Dog who used to pull on walks, wouldn’t come, would only listen to commands when he wants to, he is now public access certified and we get compliments all the time on how well behaved he is for a one year old puppy. Not only is he a well trained dog, I feel like my relationship with him is so much stronger because we worked and still work together on training every day. I tell everyone with dogs about Dog Training Elite. Could not recommend this company enough!
  • Samantha Ortolano
    Jul. 9, 2023
    I rescued my hound (we live in Philadelphia) about a year ago and it had been a rollercoaster with behaviors, anxiety and scary runaways. Choosing Dog Training Elite has greatly improved all of these issues. With Rubies patience, knowledge and guidance I can whole heartedly say that my girl is better than I could have ever hoped for. She has so much more confidence, the mental stimulation from training and having a job makes her happy and tired, and I feel like we have developed a stronger bond based on trust and obedience. In just a couple of months my once runaway can be trusted off-leash and is hyper focused on me and my commands. The e-collar has been incredible. When I put it on my dog in the morning before we walk she immediately understands that is it time to “work” aka listen. I could not be happier with our training experience or more grateful for Rubie!
  • Kristen Kovacs
    Jul. 3, 2023
    These trainers are absolutely amazing! Toni worked with Teddy our station dog and now he serves his community! Thank you ladies!!
  • Zak Adams
    May. 5, 2023
    Betsy and Audra have been incredible. We are working with them to train our young husky as an autism service dog for our daughter. Their professionalism and kindness is beyond compare. They go the extra mile for their clients, even calling us “family.” They incorporate all of us in Layla’s training and makes sure we are comfortable before moving onto the next phase. We are so thankful for them and would recommend them to anyone!
  • Kristin Witbeck Lee
    Apr. 20, 2023
    We are training two of our dogs to be service dogs, one of whom is a complex guy. Betsy has done an outstanding job with them. She is highly knowledgeable, sensitive, intuitive, friendly, super responsible, and works with our specific needs. We have seen instant and dramatic improvement, which makes our lives so much easier and enjoyable with the dogs. And they are having fun, too--they just love her, and so do we. We all look forward to training sessions! We're so grateful to Betsy for this huge improvement in our lives.Highest recommendation.
  • Rubie Nathanson
    Apr. 20, 2023
    I highly recommend training with Dog Training Elite Lancaster! Betsy has an incredible knowledge base on dog behavior and how to train them with a caring attitude. I had such a hard time getting my dog to listen to be in public, but with Betsy’s methodology, we were able to have my pup listen to me 100% of the time! On top of advanced obedience training we went through the service dog training package. Her empathetic and strategic approach to successfully train my dog to do the tasks I need was incredible. Seriously life changing and I am so grateful for her help!!! 10/10 recommend!!!!
  • Rachael Morinelli
    Apr. 16, 2023
    I adore Betsy and Dog Training Elite ! She has trained our pitbull mix. When we started , she was an out of control pup that was driving me crazy !!! After the training, I can keep her under control - fabulous manners and comes every time I call her ! Sounds minor - but this has been a total life changer. I plan to train with Betsy with my next pup and all future ones. Thank you Betsy !!!!
  • Corinne B.
    Apr. 27, 2025
    When we hired Dog Training Elite, we were in desperate need of help. Despite being a dachshund owner for almost 20 years, a new baby added a differently level of stress. Our doxies Otto and Ollie were gentle with the new baby, but so very territorial with incessant barking anytime they heard a delivery truck or when visitors stopped by, often waking the baby from precious sleep time. Betsy and her team were the salve to our situation. The team worked with our schedule, were extremely patient, and gave us the tools we needed to be successful with our doxies. They brought experience, knowledge and professionalism to every conversation and meeting. We are so grateful to Betsy and her team! Our baby is sleeping soundly again!
  • Paul Diorio
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite has been a fantastic experience. Betsy is the best! Not only did she train my dog but she helped me become more competent as a dog owner and continuing training on my own. Over a couple months of training Betsy helped us train Ranger to be more responsive and obedient especially when off lease. He is now a Certified Therapy Dog and passed the AKC Good Citizen Test! Highly recommend this team if you and your pup need help with training. They work great with your schedule and can really make a quick impact!
  • Barbara Hayward
    Apr. 2, 2025
    I researched dog training options when I purchased a new Labrador Retriever puppy 18 months ago. The philosophy and methods of Dog Training Elite appealed to me, and their practice of providing training sessions at my home made so much sense as it gave them a detailed understanding of the puppy's environment and my unique challenges. From the first moment Betsy came to my door, my then three month old Lab ADORED her. Betsy not only has wide and extensive experience with dog training for dogs of all ages, she also understands the characteristics and learning styles of different breeds, and she truly loves dogs, which makes them immediately trust and respond to her. We could not be more pleased with Dog Training Elite and recommend them to all our friends.
  • Richard Lanci
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Jaime was awesome- 1st lesson was very informative and in just one lesson we realized he is a great dog trainer and also a great dog owner trainer. We are looking forward to our next lesson.😁
  • G C
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Jamie is very knowledgeable! Both firm and kind, he worked with me to correct poor behavior when passing other dogs . By the end of the lesson, my dog was passing other dogs without incident. Thank you, Jamie!
  • Emma Cooper
    Nov. 7, 2023
    We had the best experience with Elite Dog Training! I could not be happier! Our trainer, Toni, was amazing to work with. We have seen great improvement in our dogs behavior. Worth every cent!!
  • Rachelle Storm
    Oct. 15, 2023
    I can not say enough about Toni and Betsy! I have had dogs all of my life and this is the first time that I am so Proud to have a really well behaved dog. I get compliments about my dog Sadie all the time. She is our first service dog that we trained through dog training elite and we are very pleased with their program! I now have the tools for life! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Philadelphia/Lancaster! Thank you so much Toni and Betsy! Rachelle and Bryan Storm
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    My GSD is aggressive with other dogs and children. The only dog training company I could find to work with her was Dog Training Elite! Lizzy is flowing the commands that were taught to us in our one on one sessions, has now started group sessions and did so well in her first session and climbed up and sat with the grandson for the first time! The trainers are so knowledgeable with dog training and they care about the dogs and families they help!! The best investment I ever made!! I highly recommend Dog training Elite with Betsy and her trainers!! All I can say is thank you for saving our dog!!!
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    I contacted many different dog trainers in the Lancaster area, but none of them was willing to work with dogs that had aggression issues with the exception of Dog Training Elite! I was afraid I would have to give up Lizzy my GSD because of her aggression toward children and other dogs. Then Betsy and Audra showed up at my door, assessed Lizzy and agreed to take her on!! Lizzy is doing so well with the commands and her confidence level has grown so much that she was playing with our grandson for the first time! These trainers are professional and know what they are doing!! And they love the dogs they train! I am no longer worried about losing Lizzy! All I can say is thank you for saving my dog!
  • Brittany Ritter
    Jul. 23, 2023
    This was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I have a Bernese Mountain Dog who used to pull on walks, wouldn’t come, would only listen to commands when he wants to, he is now public access certified and we get compliments all the time on how well behaved he is for a one year old puppy. Not only is he a well trained dog, I feel like my relationship with him is so much stronger because we worked and still work together on training every day. I tell everyone with dogs about Dog Training Elite. Could not recommend this company enough!
  • Samantha Ortolano
    Jul. 9, 2023
    I rescued my hound (we live in Philadelphia) about a year ago and it had been a rollercoaster with behaviors, anxiety and scary runaways. Choosing Dog Training Elite has greatly improved all of these issues. With Rubies patience, knowledge and guidance I can whole heartedly say that my girl is better than I could have ever hoped for. She has so much more confidence, the mental stimulation from training and having a job makes her happy and tired, and I feel like we have developed a stronger bond based on trust and obedience. In just a couple of months my once runaway can be trusted off-leash and is hyper focused on me and my commands. The e-collar has been incredible. When I put it on my dog in the morning before we walk she immediately understands that is it time to “work” aka listen. I could not be happier with our training experience or more grateful for Rubie!
  • Kristen Kovacs
    Jul. 3, 2023
    These trainers are absolutely amazing! Toni worked with Teddy our station dog and now he serves his community! Thank you ladies!!
  • Zak Adams
    May. 5, 2023
    Betsy and Audra have been incredible. We are working with them to train our young husky as an autism service dog for our daughter. Their professionalism and kindness is beyond compare. They go the extra mile for their clients, even calling us “family.” They incorporate all of us in Layla’s training and makes sure we are comfortable before moving onto the next phase. We are so thankful for them and would recommend them to anyone!
  • Kristin Witbeck Lee
    Apr. 20, 2023
    We are training two of our dogs to be service dogs, one of whom is a complex guy. Betsy has done an outstanding job with them. She is highly knowledgeable, sensitive, intuitive, friendly, super responsible, and works with our specific needs. We have seen instant and dramatic improvement, which makes our lives so much easier and enjoyable with the dogs. And they are having fun, too--they just love her, and so do we. We all look forward to training sessions! We're so grateful to Betsy for this huge improvement in our lives.Highest recommendation.
  • Rubie Nathanson
    Apr. 20, 2023
    I highly recommend training with Dog Training Elite Lancaster! Betsy has an incredible knowledge base on dog behavior and how to train them with a caring attitude. I had such a hard time getting my dog to listen to be in public, but with Betsy’s methodology, we were able to have my pup listen to me 100% of the time! On top of advanced obedience training we went through the service dog training package. Her empathetic and strategic approach to successfully train my dog to do the tasks I need was incredible. Seriously life changing and I am so grateful for her help!!! 10/10 recommend!!!!
  • Rachael Morinelli
    Apr. 16, 2023
    I adore Betsy and Dog Training Elite ! She has trained our pitbull mix. When we started , she was an out of control pup that was driving me crazy !!! After the training, I can keep her under control - fabulous manners and comes every time I call her ! Sounds minor - but this has been a total life changer. I plan to train with Betsy with my next pup and all future ones. Thank you Betsy !!!!

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

What Works: Potty Training Tips from Real Trainers

Have you ever wondered how to potty train a puppy? Here are a few of the tried-and-true techniques our trainers use every day to set dogs up for success (and that you can start using right now):

Dogs thrive on routine. Take your puppy to the same quiet area each time they go out, and keep them on a leash to help them focus on the task at hand.

Trainer Tip: Use the same door and same path each time. It helps your pup learn the rhythm and makes success more predictable.

Puppies need frequent breaks. As a general guideline, take them out:

  • After naps
  • After play or excitement
  • Immediately after eating or drinking

The goal is to stay ahead of the accident—not scramble to clean it up after.

Many families tell us that crate training changed everything. And they’re not wrong.

Dogs instinctively avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep—but only if the crate is the right size. Too big, and they might go in one corner and sleep in another. Just right, and they’ll learn to hold it. Always take your dog outside immediately after letting them out of the crate to reinforce good habits.

Pick a simple phrase like “go potty” or “do your business,” and say it when your dog is going. Eventually, they’ll associate the phrase with the action.

This might feel like a small thing now, but it will be helpful in the long term, especially for service dogs. Many of our service dog families tell us that teaching this cue makes things much smoother on busy mornings, while traveling, or before entering public spaces.

We don’t mean “good dog” and a pat. We mean celebrate your puppy’s success like you just won the lottery. Clap, cheer, and praise enthusiastically, especially in the early days.

Positive feedback builds the confidence your pup needs to repeat the behavior again and again.

Watch for signs like sniffing, circling, whining, or suddenly going quiet. These are your cues to grab that leash and head out fast.

Interrupting the behavior early is one of the most effective ways to build new habits and reduce (and eventually eliminate) indoor accidents.

A picture with a Dog Training Elite trainer, dog, and owner working on potty training skills - contact us for your Lancaster dog potty training today.

How We Help at Dog Training Elite

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We’ve worked with thousands of dogs, and no two are exactly alike. That’s why we build a training plan around your dog’s unique needs and your family’s routine.

Whether your dog is still in the puppy stage or just needs a little help breaking some old habits, we’ve got you covered with:

  • Behavior-Focused Solutions: Anxiety, confusion, and attention-seeking can cause potty issues. We help your dog feel secure and confident.
  • Routine & Structure: Dogs thrive with boundaries. Obedience training provides the daily framework that supports potty training success.
  • Custom Crate & Leash Integration: We’ll help you determine the proper crate size, potty schedule, and leash process just right for your dog.
  • Ongoing Owner Support: We don’t just train your dog—we teach you how to reinforce progress and avoid setbacks. You’ll know what signs to look for and how to support your dog long-term.

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An owner and her puppy - contact Dog Training Elite today to help build better habits through our dog and puppy potty training in Lancaster, PA.

Your Puppy Potty Trainer in Lancaster, PA

Let’s Build Better Habits, Together

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You don’t need to stress over potty training or wonder if your dog will ever “get it.” With a little structure and a lot of support, your dog will learn where and when they should go.

Whether you're working with a puppy or older dog, our Lancaster dog potty training support is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our amazing trainers at Dog Training Elite. Many families tell us it’s the best decision they've ever made.

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