October 20, 2024

How to Potty Train Your Goldendoodle?

So, you’re tired of finding little surprises around the house, or perhaps you’re wondering if you’re using the right techniques. Trust me, I get it! Potty training can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with a pup who seems to have their own ideas about where the bathroom should be.

Mary Burch, Ph.D., director of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs, assures that there are proven methods for training your puppy. So, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know, from setting up a potty routine to handling those little accidents.

What Goes In Must Come Out

First things first: it’s essential to understand that what your Goldendoodle eats must eventually come out. The standard rule is that a puppy will likely need to eliminate anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes after eating or drinking. The key to potty training is teaching your pup to go in the same designated spot every time.

I’ve heard of people starting their Goldendoodle puppies in flower beds to keep their lawns clean. So, there might be something to it!

Before we begin, you should watch this step-by-step guide for potty training a Goldendoodle puppies

1. Establishing a Potty Routine

A consistent schedule is crucial for both you and your puppy. It will help set you up for success and prevent you from mistakenly blaming your dog for what might actually be your own errors.

Let’s break down how to establish an effective potty routine:

Frequent Potty Breaks

Choose a Designated Spot

Rewards and Verbal Praise

Teaching a Potty Cue (such as: “go potty” or “go pee”)

2. Pick a Potty Spot and Stick to It

Before bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy (or any dog that isn’t potty trained), take a moment to puppy-proof your home.

The number one tip? Remove any carpets in the area where your puppy will be allowed to roam. Puppies have accidents, and it’s much easier to clean a hard floor than a carpet!

Now that you’ve chosen a specific spot in your yard where you want your Goldendoodle to do their business. Lead them to this spot every time you take them out.

Goldendoodles are quick learners, and they’ll soon associate this location with potty time. Using a phrase like “Go potty” each time you reach the spot can help reinforce the habit.

Potty Bells

Potty bells are a fun and effective way to train your dog to signal when they need to go outside. Hang a small bell by the door and ring it every time you take your puppy out.

Over time, your puppy will learn to ring the bell themselves when they need to go.

3. Reward Good Behavior Immediately

Positive reinforcement is your best friend when it comes to potty training. Keep some treats handy, and the moment your Goldendoodle does their business in the right spot, reward them with a treat, praise, or a quick play session.

Dogs, especially intelligent breeds like Goldendoodles, love to make their humans happy. Consistently rewarding them for good behavior will encourage them to keep it up.

4. Keep an Eye Out for Signs

Your Goldendoodle will give you signals when they need to go, so it’s important to learn to recognize them.

Watch for signs like sniffing the ground, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. As soon as you notice these cues, take them outside immediately to prevent accidents.

The more you pay attention to their signals, the faster you’ll be able to anticipate their needs.

5. Handle Accidents Calmly

Accidents are bound to happen, especially in the early stages of potty training. When they do, it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid punishment.

If you catch your Goldendoodle in the act, calmly interrupt with a firm “No,” and immediately take them outside to their potty spot. If you find an accident later, simply clean it up without fuss. Punishing your pup will only create fear and confusion, slowing down the training process.

6. Use Crate Training to Your Advantage

Crate training can be a valuable tool for potty training your Goldendoodle. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a properly-sized crate can help prevent accidents indoors.

Make sure the crate is comfortable, and use it for short periods when you can’t directly supervise your dog. Gradually, your Goldendoodle will learn to hold their bladder until it’s time for a potty break.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

In most cases, the challenges of potty training aren’t about the puppy itself but rather new dog owners being too impatient. It’s entirely normal for a 12-week-old Goldendoodle to have accidents all over the house. Don’t let this discourage you! It’s all part of the process.

The truth is, there is no set age for when to start potty training, but you can begin as soon as you bring your new Goldendoodle puppy home. Just remember that an 8-week-old puppy is not yet physically capable of controlling their small bladders. You’re likely to experience good days where everything seems to be going well, followed by days of regression.

The trick is not to expect too much too soon but to lay a solid foundation with a consistent schedule.

8. Gradually Extend Time Between Breaks

As your Goldendoodle starts to get the hang of things, you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks.

Start with short intervals and slowly increase them. This teaches your pup to hold it longer and helps build bladder control. Just make sure not to push it too fast; if your dog starts having accidents again, scale back to more frequent breaks.

9. Consider Professional Help if Needed

If you’ve tried everything and your Goldendoodle still isn’t making progress, it might be time to consult a professional dog trainer. Sometimes, a little extra guidance is all you need to get back on track.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – it can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Potty training your Goldendoodle may take some time and effort, but with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you’ll get there. Remember, every dog learns differently, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly from day one. Keep the routine steady, stay positive, and soon enough, your Goldendoodle will be a potty-trained pro!