One of the very first things you should do when bringing your new Goldendoodle pup home is to get started on potty training.

If you don't do it right away, it can be difficult to get your pup on track and create a successful potty training plan. I remember when I got Bailey (my goldendoodle), I was so terrified that she might not learn to go outside - but trust me, it's a lot easier than you think!

Luckily, with the right techniques and approach, potty train a goldendoodle and training can be a smooth and easy process.

In this article, I will delve into the world of goldendoodle potty training, including understanding the breed's personality and needs, when to start potty training, the different methods for potty training, and how to deal with common challenges along the way.

Understanding Goldendoodle Potty Training

What is potty training?

Potty training for dogs is the process of teaching your goldendoodle to eliminate waste in the appropriate location, whether that be outdoors or in a designated indoor area.

This can involve a variety of techniques, including positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience.

Why is it important to potty train your goldendoodle?

Potty training is important for the health and happiness of your goldendoodle, as well as your own sanity. No one wants to step in puddles of pee when walking around the house or clean up piles of poop.

A properly potty-trained dog or goldendoodle will have fewer accidents in the house, which can help maintain cleanliness and reduce odors.

Additionally, if your goldendoodle is consistently potty trained is more likely to have a strong bond with you and be better behaved overall.

Plus, most likely you only have to do it once! So, it’s definitely worth getting it right in the beginning. 

What are the best practices for goldendoodle potty training?

The best practices for goldendoodle potty training young puppies include:

• Have a go-word: Establish a phrase such as “go potty” that helps your puppy understand when you are asking him to eliminate.
• Set up a specific area: Choose an area in the yard or on a balcony where you want your pup to do his business and take him there consistently.
• Consistency: Establish a routine and stick to it as closely as possible. This means in the beginning, you might need to take your pup outside every couple of hours.
• Positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and rewards to encourage your goldendoodle to eliminate waste in the appropriate location. Even when you are on a walk, if your goldendoodle poops or pees, offer them a treat and lots of verbal praise.
• Patience: Potty training takes time and patience is key! Don’t rush your pup, as it could lead to frustration and setbacks.
• Patience: Recognize that potty training takes time, and be prepared for setbacks and accidents along the way.

These are the best practices, but every goldendoodle is different. These have worked for me, but not all of them might work with your Goldendoodle, that is why it is important to be patient and try different methods if one isn’t working. 

When to Start Potty Training Your Goldendoodle

At what age should you start potty - training your goldendoodle puppy?

The best time to start potty training your goldendoodle puppy is when they are between 12 and 16 weeks old. At this age, they are old enough to understand basic commands and routines, but still young enough to be shaped by your training techniques.

Signs that your goldendoodle puppy is ready to begin potty training

Signs that your new goldendoodle puppy is ready to begin potty training include:

• Sniffing or circling around a particular spot
• Whimpering or barking to indicate they need to go outside
• Squatting or lifting a leg to indicate they need to go potty

Setting Up a Potty Training Routine

How to create a potty training schedule

Creating a potty training schedule is an important step in your house training and ensuring your Goldendoodle becomes consistently potty trained.

Here's how to create a potty training schedule:

1. Determine how often your goldendoodle needs to go potty. This may vary depending on their age, size, and activity level. A general rule of thumb is to take them out at least every 2-3 hours.
2. Establish a routine for taking your goldendoodle out. This could be after meals, when they wake up, and before bed, for example.
3. Set a timer or reminder to help you stick to your schedule.
4. Gradually increase the amount of time between potty breaks as your goldendoodle becomes more consistently potty trained.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the more consistent you can be with your potty training schedule, the better.

Generally speaking, a goldendoodle puppy will need to potty way more frequently than adult goldendoodles do. Adult Goldendoodles might be able to go for up to 8 hours without a potty break, whereas a puppy might need to go every 2-3 hours.

Tips for consistency in potty training

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training your goldendoodle. Here are some tips for maintaining consistency:

• Stick to your potty training schedule as closely as possible.
• Use the same command or cue each time you take your goldendoodle out to potty, such as "go potty."
• Reinforce positive behavior consistently, using treats, praise, or rewards each time your goldendoodle eliminates waste in the appropriate location.

As your dog needs to learn the habit, you need to learn it too. It's a pain in the butt at first, but eventually, both you and your pup will get into a rhythm. 

Strategies for using positive reinforcement during potty training

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging your goldendoodle puppies to potty train successfully. Here are some strategies for using positive reinforcement:

• Use treats or a favorite toy as a reward for good behavior.
• Praise your goldendoodle enthusiastically each time they eliminate waste in the appropriate location.
• Use a clicker to help reinforce positive behavior consistently.

I'm a big fan of positive reinforcement and a huge disbeleiver in any form of punishment for potty training. Don't scold them or push their nose in their mess - it won't help.

Positive reinforcement will not only teach them the behavior you want, but it'll also strengthen your bond with your pup and make potty training a much more enjoyable experience for both of you. 

Choosing a Potty Training Method

Different potty training tips and methods for goldendoodles

There are several different potty training methods for goldendoodles, including:

• Crate training: Teaching your goldendoodle to hold their waste until you take them outside.
• Indoor potty training: Teaching your goldendoodle to use a designated indoor potty area, such as a training pad or litter box.
• Outdoor potty training: Teaching your goldendoodle to eliminate waste outside, either on a leash or in a fenced-in area.

The pros and cons of each method

Each potty training method has its own pros and cons, depending on your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of each method:

• Crate training: Can be effective for reducing accidents and creating a sense of security for your goldendoodle, but may not be suitable for all living situations and can take time to implement successfully.

• Indoor potty training: Can be convenient for apartment living or during inclement weather, but may be more difficult to transition to outdoor potty training in the future.

• Outdoor potty training: Can be highly effective for creating a consistent routine and reinforcing good behavior, but requires a dedicated time commitment and can be challenging during extreme weather conditions.

Factors to consider when choosing a potty training method

When choosing a proper potty training method for your goldendoodle, consider factors such as:

• Your living situation and available space
• Your work schedule and ability to take your goldendoodle out regularly
• Your goldendoodle's age, size, and activity level
• Your personal preferences and lifestyle

Indoor Potty Training for Goldendoodles

How to set up an indoor potty area

To set up an indoor potty area for your goldendoodle, follow these steps:

1. Choose a designated area for your goldendoodle's potty spot. This could be a bathroom, laundry room, or other enclosed space. Don't change this area!
2. Lay down training pads or use a litter box filled with puppy litter.
3. Train your goldendoodle to use the designated indoor potty area by consistently taking them to the area when they need to go potty and using positive reinforcement when they eliminate waste in the appropriate location.
4. There are also scented sprays available that can help your goldendoodle recognize the potty area.

Tips for indoor potty training success

Indoor potty training can be an effective method for potty training your goldendoodle, but it does require some additional preparation and care. Here are some tips for indoor potty training success:

• Use a high-quality puppy litter or training pad to reduce odors and improve absorption.
• Use a consistent command or cue, such as "go potty," to help your goldendoodle understand what is expected of them.
• Gradually decrease the size of the indoor potty area as your goldendoodle becomes more consistently potty trained.
• Be patient and consistent with your training techniques, and reinforce positive behavior with treats, praise, or rewards.

Best practices for cleaning up after accidents

Accidents will happen during the potty training process, so it's important to have a plan in place for cleaning up after your goldendoodle. Here are some best practices for cleaning up after accidents:

• Use a pet-specific cleaning product to eliminate odors and stains.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, which can actually encourage your goldendoodle to eliminate waste in that location.
• Clean up accidents as soon as possible to reduce the risk of additional accidents in that location.

Transitioning from indoor to outdoor potty training

Once your goldendoodle is consistently using the designated potty area, you can begin transitioning them to outdoor potty training. Of course, if you don't mind your dog using the bathroom indoors, you can stick to indoor pottying combined with outdoor pottying!

This is what I did, and although a lot of trainers don't recommend it, it worked for us. This way, even if I'm gone for half a day, Bailey doesn't have to hold it for too long and I don't have to worry about any accidents!

Outdoor Potty Training for Goldendoodles

How to choose an outdoor potty area

When choosing an outdoor potty area for your goldendoodle, consider the following factors:

• A fenced-in area or leash to prevent your goldendoodle from running away or getting into dangerous situations.
• A designated area that is separate from play or exercise areas.
• A location that is easily accessible and convenient for you and your goldendoodle.

Or of course, if you combine outdoor pottying with walks, you don't have to worry about having a designated area. Just make sure you carry potty bags with you.

Tips for outdoor potty training success

Outdoor potty training can be highly effective for reinforcing good behavior and creating a consistent routine. Here are some tips for outdoor potty training success:

• Use a consistent command or cue to indicate when it's time to go potty.
• Stay with your goldendoodle while they eliminate waste to reinforce positive behavior.
• Use treats, praise, or rewards to reinforce positive behavior consistently.
• Gradually increase the amount of time between potty breaks as your goldendoodle becomes more consistently potty trained.

It's important to make your dog understand that you have a schedule and they need to adjust to it. Doing this will help them understand that pottying is something that needs to happen at a specific time and not on their own terms.

Common Potty Training Challenges and How to Overcome Them

How to deal with accidents during potty training

Accidents are a natural part of the potty training process, but they can be frustrating and stressful for both you and your goldendoodle. Here's how to deal with accidents during potty training:

• Clean up accidents promptly using a pet-specific cleaning product.
• Don't scold or punish your goldendoodle for accidents; instead, stay positive and consistent with your training methods. Use treats, praise, or rewards to reinforce positive behavior consistently.
• Be patient! I know it can be a hassle to have to clean up after accidents, but it's all a part of the process. Over time, your goldendoodle will learn where and when to use the bathroom.

Addressing common behavioral issues during potty training

Behavioral issues can sometimes arise during potty training, such as reluctance to go outside or eliminating waste in inappropriate locations. Here's how to address common behavioral issues during potty training:

• Use positive reinforcement techniques consistently to encourage good behavior.
• Use a consistent command or cue to reinforce positive behavior and encourage your goldendoodle to eliminate waste in the appropriate location.
• Avoid punishing or scolding your goldendoodle for accidents or other behavioral issues, as this can harm your relationship with your pet and discourage good behavior.

Puppies are always testing the boundaries and learning the rules, so be patient with them. At the same time, of course, you have to be clear about what you expect from them.

Dealing with setbacks during potty training

Setbacks can be frustrating and discouraging during the potty training process, but they are a natural part of the process.

Here's how to deal with setbacks during potty training:

• Remain patient and consistent with your training techniques. Don't lose hope!
• When puppies reach the "teenager" phase, they can act like they forgot everything you taught them. That's why it's important to be consistent with your training and not give up.
• If everything fails, consider adjusting your potty training schedule or method. Maybe you just haven't found the right technique yet!

How long does it take for a goldendoodle to be potty trained?

Generally speaking, it can take up to four months to potty train a Goldendoodle. With that said, every dog is different and it could take less or more time depending on your pup's individual needs.

The key to success is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. If you stick with the same potty routine and reward your goldendoodle for good behavior, they should eventually get the hang of it.

Conclusion

Potty training your goldendoodle can be a challenging but rewarding process, and with the right techniques and approach, you can successfully train your furry friend to eliminate waste in the appropriate location.

Remember to be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement consistently to encourage good behavior.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can help ensure your goldendoodle becomes a well-behaved and happy member of your family.