The Adventures of Kimchi and Pebbles: Potty Training - Twice the Fun, Twice the Mess

What Was I Thinking?

Bringing home one puppy is exciting, but bringing home two at the same time? That's double the joy, double the cuteness, and... double the mess! As much as you might think that potty training two puppies together would make things easier, the reality is a bit more complicated. Having gone through the experience of training Kimchi and Pebbles, my Frenchie twins, I quickly learned that it’s not as simple as just teaching them both at the same time. Here’s why—and some tips on how to manage potty training with two pups.

Another challenge…Kimchi and Pebbles are French Bulldogs. Potty training a French Bulldog can be a real test of patience! Frenchies are known for their stubborn streak, which can make the process more challenging than with other breeds. Frenchies are incredibly smart, but they also have a bit of a "do it my way" attitude, which means they’ll sometimes decide that they’d rather play, explore, or just sit and look at you instead of doing their business. This independent nature can lead to a lot of moments where you think they’ve got it figured out, only to have an accident happen right after bringing them inside.

French Bulldogs also have small bladders, so they need frequent trips outside—especially when they’re puppies. The key to success is consistency and a regular schedule, but even then, expect a few bumps along the road. Frenchies thrive on positive reinforcement, so lots of praise and treats when they get it right is essential. Patience is crucial, as these little stubborn streaks can take time to overcome, but with persistence and a good routine, even the most headstrong Frenchie can learn!

Singing Like I was on The Voice!  “My Girls Like to Potty All The Time, Potty All The Time, Potty All The Time…”

Extra points to anyone reading this that is now singing the 1985 song by Eddie Murphy, ‘Party All The Time’.  For those who have no idea what I am talking about and want an 80’s classic stuck in their head, you can listen to it here.

In all honesty, I used to sing this to the girls ALL the time when we started potty training.  We brought the girls home right at 8 weeks and got started immediately.  Every time I would get ready to take them outside or would be outside with them, I would sing “My Girls Like to Potty All The Time…” on repeat.  This was their queue that it was time to do their business.  We were singing it non-stop.  I’m pretty sure my neighbors and anyone at my house never wants to hear that song again! 

Senior Dog with Incontinence

Another challenge right out of the gate for us is our 14 year old long-haired Boston terrier Cookie.  She is almost blind, deaf and having a lot of accidents.  Cookie has frequent accidents due to her age, which added an extra layer of difficulty. The puppies sometimes got confused, thinking it's okay to go inside because they see the older dog doing it. It was and can still be a balancing act—cleaning up after our senior dog, while still trying to reinforce good potty habits with the little ones. It took a lot of patience and constant supervision, but we did our best to give both the puppies and our Boston the care and understanding they need.

Twice the Energy, Twice the Mess

When you have two puppies, the first thing we noticed was that they feed off each other's energy. While one was busy sniffing around, the other might be playing or getting distracted by something else entirely. This made it hard to keep both puppies focused on what they’re supposed to be doing—pottying outside, rather than inside.   We constantly were saying ‘We potty outside, not inside!” 

Kimchi and Pebbles were full of energy, and when they got into play mode, they often forget about everything else—including the need to go potty. One minute they’re chasing each other or playing with their favorite toy, and the next, they suddenly realize they have to go, and it’s already too late! Mid-play accidents were super common with them because they were  so focused on having fun that they don’t notice the urge until it hit. We had to constantly interrupt playtime to get them to go outside.

Training Together vs. Training Separately

One of the biggest challenges I found was balancing training them together while still giving them the independence they needed to learn on their own. Kimchi and Pebbles each had their own pace when it came to understanding the rules. Pebbles was sneaky and would find places to go potty inside before we would realize it.  Her favorite spot was behind a recliner in my office.  Kimchi picked up on it a little quicker but also had her ‘secret spot’.  

If we tried to rush them, or expected them to potty at the same time every time, it only led to frustration for all of us. It became clear that while taking them out together was sometimes easier, they needed their own moments to focus without distraction from the other.

Giving Them Independence

While you might want your puppies to get on the same potty schedule, it’s important to remember that each one is an individual. Training them separately, even for just a few minutes each day, helps reinforce their independence and gives them the attention they need to learn properly.

I started giving Kimchi and Pebbles separate potty breaks, making sure I focused on one at a time. This allowed me to praise them individually, reinforcing the behavior when they did it right. Over time, they became more confident on their own, and it helped reduce accidents because they weren’t distracted by what the other was doing.

Patience Is Key

The biggest lesson I learned is that potty training two puppies requires a lot of patience—maybe more than you’d expect. Just when you think one puppy has got it down, the other might take a step backward. It’s important not to compare their progress too much and to celebrate the small wins along the way.

Consistency is key, as is sticking to a routine. Make sure to take your puppies out frequently, especially after meals, naps, or playtime. And when accidents happen (and they will), take a deep breath, clean up the mess, and remember that it’s all part of the process.

Change of Scenery

We thought it was very important to mix up their potty routine and introduce them to different environments.  We have a fenced in backyard and we had turf on our patio when they started.   We also started taking Kimchi and Pebbles on walks where the surface was all concrete and there were so many distractions to help them get comfortable going potty in different places. This change of scenery was essential for their potty training because it taught them that they need to go wherever we might be, not just in the comfort of our backyard. By exposing them to different surfaces and environments, they became more adaptable and confident when it came to doing their business outside—whether it's on grass, concrete, or at the dog park. Plus, the extra stimulation from new sights and smells made the experience more engaging for them!

Conclusion

Potty training two puppies at the same time is definitely a challenge, but it’s not impossible. While it might seem like training them together would be easier, each puppy needs their own time to learn and grow. By giving them independence, staying patient, and accepting that there will be double the mess, you can successfully potty train two pups—just like I did with Kimchi and Pebbles.

If you’re potty training two or more puppies, know that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly right away. With time, patience, and a lot of love, your puppies will learn, and you’ll all come out the other side with a stronger bond—and maybe fewer messes on the floor!  And even after a year, we still have an accident here and there.