Learning how to potty train your Goldendoodle is one of the first steps to a peaceful, happy life with your furry friend.
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Though it will take some time and patience, potty training your puppy does not have to be difficult or stressful.
Goldendoodles are quick learners, and it doesn't take long to get them on the right track! Read on to find out how easy it is to effectively teach your puppy to eliminate outside.
successful Steps To Potty Train Your Goldendoodle
1. Establish A Routine
Goldendoodle puppies do best on a scheduled routine. A schedule helps your puppy to understand when it's time to eat, when it's time to sleep, and when it's ok to go potty.
Develop A Feeding Schedule. For puppies especially, it is recommended that you provide quality feed at least twice daily, and it is important that you do so at the same time every day.
Dogs naturally eliminate after eating or drinking so sticking to a routine will make it more likely that they'll do their business at consistent times as well.
Take Your Puppy Outside Often. Young puppies, especially those under 12 weeks of age, should be taken out at least every 2 hours.
Pick a spot in the yard and consistently take your puppy there to do his business - immediately after eating or drinking, after playtime, and when he wakes after naptime. It should be the first thing you should do in the morning and the last thing at night.
Consistency is key! Developing a regular routine helps avoid confusion and accidents in the house, making training easier for both you and your 'Doodle.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Practicing positive reinforcement is another very important step to potty train your Goldendoodle successfully, because it teaches your puppy that going to the bathroom outside equals a reward.
Each time your puppy goes potty in the right spot, tell him what a good dog he is. Make house training fun, and reward with a treat or favorite toy, when he gets it right.
Offer your reward immediately after he's finished, so your puppy makes a positive connection to eliminating outside.
Never shout at your puppy or resort to harsh punishments "to teach him a lesson". Doing so can make your Goldendoodle learn to fear you, and that will just make the problem much worse.
Positive praise and showing him where he can go is much more effective, and your 'Doodle will be consistently doing his business outdoors, before you know it!
3. Supervise, Supervise
It is your responsibility to observe and supervise your puppy, as a 'Doodle parent.
Individual puppies have individual signs and rhythms. Some have to go every time they get excited; Some are able to hold it longer than others. Some have to go immediately after eating, others can wait.
Watch your puppy carefully for signals that may indicate he has to "go". Obvious signs you might see are squatting, sniffing, circling, whining or restlessness.
If your puppy is showing these signs, immediately take him outside to the bathroom spot. If he goes there, be sure to praise and reward.
If you can't supervise, confine. Put him in the yard, but still where he has access to his bathroom spot. Or make use of a crate - which brings us to the next step:
4. Implement Crate Training
Crate training is a very effective tool that can help speed up the process of potty training your Goldendoodle. Dogs are den animals, and providing a space specifically for your puppy will give it a safe place to rest or eat.
The principle behind crate training is that dogs naturally do not like to eliminate in the same spot where they eat or sleep, so it is a great way to keep them from having accidents in the house.
Want to know more about crate training? Check out this excellent article on how to properly crate train your puppy.
final Step To sucessfully Potty Train Your Goldendoodle
Keep in mind that accidents will happen. Potty training is a process that will not be perfected overnight. Your puppy will not get it right every time - it's a normal part of house training.
Sometimes it can be tempting to get angry and punish your puppy for making mistakes. But it is important that you remain calm and positive, even in those moments when your puppy piddles on the rug. Kindness and patience goes a long way in avoiding undue stress!
If your dog does make a mess, calmly and firmly tell him "NO" and take him outside to his designated bathroom spot. Thoroughly clean up any messes. Puppies will continue eliminating in soiled areas, if they still smell like urine or feces.
Following our tips will greatly minimize accidents in the house. The more opportunities your 'Doodle has to eliminate outdoors, the faster results for a well-trained puppy!