Bringing home a new Goldendoodle, whether mini or standard, is a joyful experience, but with that joy comes the responsibility of training your new furry friend. One of the first challenges every pet parent faces is potty training. Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and eagerness to please, making them relatively quick learners. However, like any breed, they need a consistent and patient approach to house training.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully potty train your Goldendoodle. Whether you have a mini Goldendoodle with their boundless energy or a standard Goldendoodle with their larger size, these strategies will work for both.
Read: More Goldendoodle Potty Training Tips from Five Bark
Why Start Potty Training Early?
Potty training should begin the moment your Goldendoodle puppy arrives home. Creating good habits early on is much easier than correcting bad ones later. Puppies, regardless of size, thrive on routine, and starting early helps establish a clear understanding of where and when it’s appropriate to go potty.
Goldendoodles, being a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle, are highly intelligent and quick to pick up on cues. However, this intelligence doesn’t mean they’ll be fully potty trained overnight. Potty training is a process that requires patience, consistency, and, most importantly, a schedule. On average, a puppy takes four to six months to be fully potty trained, although this can vary based on their size, temperament, and your consistency.
Read: 15 Goldendoodle Potty Training Tips to Teach Your Puppy
How Long Does Potty Training Take?
For both mini and standard Goldendoodles, a consistent potty training regimen can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Mini Goldendoodles, with their smaller bladders, may need more frequent breaks in the beginning, while standard Goldendoodles may have slightly better bladder control but still require the same diligence.
On average, by the age of 4 months, a Goldendoodle can start to demonstrate a reliable understanding of potty training, but it often takes until they’re 6 months old to truly master it. Puppies younger than 4 months should be taken out frequently, as they haven’t developed the bladder control to hold it for long periods.
Remember, your puppy is still learning even after they’ve gone a month accident-free. Keep an eye on them for any subtle cues, and always be ready to take them outside when needed.
Fun Read: 14 Adorable Goldendoodle Facts You Absolutely Need to Know
Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training Your Goldendoodle
1. Establish a Routine
Routine is the foundation of effective potty training. The first thing to understand is that puppies need frequent potty breaks, especially after:
- Waking up (first thing in the morning and after naps)
- Eating or drinking
- Playing or exercising
- Excitement or stimulation
Set a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and bathroom breaks. Take your puppy outside:
- First thing in the morning
- After every meal
- Every 1-2 hours when they’re awake
- Before bedtime
2. Use a Crate
A crate is a valuable tool for potty training, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. For mini Goldendoodles, who are smaller in size, choose a crate that isn’t too large but has enough room for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The same applies to standard Goldendoodles, though you may need a larger crate.
A crate with a divider is ideal because it allows the space to grow with your puppy. If the crate is too big, your puppy might use one side as a bathroom and the other to sleep. The crate helps your puppy learn bladder control, as they won’t want to mess where they rest.
Tip: Avoid using the crate as a punishment. Instead, make it a positive place by including safe chew toys or a comfy blanket. Your puppy should feel secure and happy inside.
3. Monitor for Potty Cues
Pay attention to your puppy’s body language. Both mini and standard Goldendoodles will give subtle cues when they need to go potty, including:
- Circling or pacing
- Whining or sniffing the ground
- Heading towards the door
- Sudden stillness or squatting
Once you recognize these signs, take your puppy outside immediately to avoid accidents. Acting quickly helps them understand that outside is the place for potty breaks.
4. Designate a Potty Spot
Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Take your puppy to the same spot outside every time for bathroom breaks. Goldendoodles, like most dogs, rely on scent markers to recognize their potty area. By using the same spot consistently, they’ll associate that place with the need to eliminate.
Tip: Choose a location that’s easy to access, especially for a mini Goldendoodle, and stick with it. Don’t change the location, as this can confuse your puppy.
5. Set a Potty Command
Goldendoodles are highly trainable and will respond well to verbal commands. Choose a consistent phrase to signal that it’s time to go potty, such as “Go potty,” “Do your business,” or “Go pee.” Use this command every time you take your puppy outside, and soon they’ll associate the phrase with the action.
Be consistent with the words you use. Changing the command can confuse your puppy and delay progress.
6. Positive Reinforcement
Goldendoodles thrive on positive reinforcement, so be sure to praise and reward them every time they go potty in the right place. Offering praise in a happy, enthusiastic voice or giving a small treat after successful potty breaks helps reinforce the behavior you want.
For mini Goldendoodles, you might notice that they respond even more eagerly to praise and attention, while standard Goldendoodles may appreciate a more tactile reward, such as a belly rub or playtime after going potty.
Tip: Avoid giving treats indoors immediately after potty breaks, as this might confuse the puppy into thinking they’re rewarded for coming inside rather than going potty.
7. Bell Training for Potty Breaks
A fun and effective method for potty training both mini and standard Goldendoodles is bell training. By teaching your puppy to ring a bell when they need to go out, you create a clear communication system. Here’s how to train them:
- Hang a bell on the doorknob or near the door you use for potty breaks.
- Each time you take your puppy out, gently guide their nose or paw to ring the bell before opening the door.
- After a few days, your puppy will begin to associate the sound of the bell with going outside.
This technique can be especially helpful for mini Goldendoodles, as their smaller size might make it harder for them to reach the door to signal they need to go out. Bell training makes their needs clearer.
8. Prevent Accidents Indoors
Goldendoodles, both mini and standard, can have accidents, especially during the first few months of training. If an accident happens, don’t punish your puppy. Instead, clean it up thoroughly using an enzyme-based cleaner to remove the scent. Puppies tend to go back to places where they’ve already relieved themselves, so proper cleaning is crucial to preventing repeat accidents.
If you notice your puppy having frequent accidents in a specific room or area, restrict access to that space using baby gates or by closing doors. Mini Goldendoodles are more likely to slip into smaller spaces unnoticed, so keeping them in sight is essential.
9. Create a Consistent Feeding Schedule
To help regulate your puppy’s bathroom habits, stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Feed your puppy at the same times each day, and take them outside shortly after meals. This not only helps with digestion but also allows you to predict when your puppy will need to go potty.
Mini Goldendoodles, with their smaller size and metabolism, may need smaller meals spread throughout the day, while standard Goldendoodles might stick to two or three larger meals.
Tip: Limit water intake before bedtime to reduce the likelihood of nighttime accidents, especially for younger puppies or mini Goldendoodles with smaller bladders.
10. Crate Training at Night
The crate is especially helpful for potty training at night. Puppies, including Goldendoodles, can usually hold their bladder longer when they’re asleep, but young puppies (especially minis) might need to go out once during the night. Place the crate near your bed so you can hear if they wake up and need to go out.
Gradually, as your puppy gets older, they’ll be able to sleep through the night without needing a potty break.
Sample Potty Training Schedule for a Goldendoodle
Here’s an example of a daily potty training schedule for a 2-6 month old Goldendoodle puppy:
- 7:00 AM: First potty break of the day.
- 7:15 AM: Playtime in the kitchen or yard.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast and water. After 15-20 minutes, remove the food and water dishes.
- 8:00 AM: Take the puppy out for another potty break.
- 8:30 AM – Noon: Supervised play and crate time with potty breaks every 45-60 minutes.
- Noon: Lunch and water, followed by a potty break.
- 1:00 PM: Crate time with toys while you’re away.
- 4:00 PM: Afternoon potty break.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner and water, followed by a potty break.
- 7:00 PM: Supervised playtime, with potty breaks every 45 minutes.
- 10:00 PM: Final potty break before bed.
This schedule can be adapted as your Goldendoodle grows, but the key is consistency. By sticking to a routine, you’ll help your puppy develop predictable bathroom habits.
Additional Potty Training Tips for Goldendoodles
- Take Time Off: If possible, dedicate the first few days or even a week to focusing on potty training. Being home consistently will accelerate the process and help establish good habits quickly.
- Limit Crate Time: Puppies shouldn’t spend more than 3 hours in their crate during the day (this extends as they get older). After each period of crate time, give them at least an hour of supervised playtime.
- Avoid Distractions: When outside for potty breaks, avoid playing or getting distracted. Focus solely on the potty break. Once they’re finished, you can reward them with playtime or a walk afterward.
- Pick Them Up for Potty Breaks: Especially for mini Goldendoodles, always pick them up from their crate and carry them outside to avoid accidents on the way to the door.
- Prevent Submissive Urination: Some Goldendoodles, especially mini ones, may urinate when they’re excited or nervous. Avoid scolding them for this behavior, as it’s often temporary and related to excitement. Greet them calmly and give them time to outgrow this behavior.
Read: How To Potty Train A Goldendoodle: 12 Expert Tips & Advice
Conclusion: Potty Training Requires Patience and Consistency
Potty training your Goldendoodle, whether mini or standard, takes time, effort, and consistency. By sticking to a schedule, using positive reinforcement, and being patient with your puppy, you’ll soon have a house-trained companion who knows when and where to go. Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace, but with persistence, both you and your Goldendoodle will succeed.
At Rock Creek Puppies, we’re here to support you through this exciting journey. With the right training techniques, your Goldendoodle will be a happy, well-behaved member of the family in no time!