Potty training a Beranedoodle should start as early as possible, ideally from 8-10 weeks old, as this age group is more receptive to learning.
Establishing a routine is crucial for successful potty training, and consistency is key.
A designated potty area, such as a puppy pad or a specific spot in the yard, helps your Beranedoodle learn to associate the area with eliminating.
Beranedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick to pick up on commands and habits.
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Preparation and Setup
When selecting a designated potty area for your Bernedoodle, consider accessibility for both you and your puppy. The spot should be convenient for both of you to get to quickly, especially if your puppy may have trouble holding its urine.
A convenient location is crucial for efficient potty training. If you're living upstairs and the dog is on the ground floor, it would be too much hassle for you to be going up and down the stairs whenever the dog needs to pee.
Choose a spot that is easy to clean up after, such as a garden area where you can hose it down with water. This will make potty training and cleanup much simpler.
Keep the potty area private and secure to prevent any accidents or unwanted attention. This will also help your puppy learn to do its business alone.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a potty area:
Remember, establishing routines and boundaries early on is crucial for successful potty training. Be consistent with your training efforts and patient with your puppy's learning process.
Housebreaking Methods
There are several ways to potty train a Bernedoodle, and you can start by doing your research and reading about it. Establishing a consistent schedule for potty breaks is crucial for success.
You can choose from various training methods, including crate training, which can be effective in training your puppy to hold it until taken outside. Be aware that every dog learns at their own pace, so be patient and consistent with your training efforts.
Consistency is key when it comes to potty training, and you should establish routines and boundaries early on to prevent confusion. Take your puppy to the designated area regularly, use a specific command, and reward them with praise and affection when they relieve themselves in the desired location.
Here are the best times to take your puppy outside:
- First thing every morning
- After meals
- After playing
- Before you leave
- When you get home
- After spending time in the crate
- After nap time
- Anytime you’ll leave the puppy alone
- Before bedtime
Remember, establishing a consistent schedule and being patient will help your Bernedoodle learn good potty habits.
Training Techniques
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for bernedoodle potty training. It's all about rewarding good behavior with attention, praise, toys, and treats, rather than punishing bad behavior.
Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a routine for your pup. By creating set times for feeding, bathroom breaks, playing, and sleeping, you can help your bernedoodle learn to eliminate in the right places.
A general rule of thumb is that most medium breed dogs can hold it half the number of hours of weeks old they are. So, a 4 week old pup is going potty every 2 hours, an 8 week old pup is going potty every 4 hours, and a 12 week old pup is going potty every 6 hours.
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Here's a quick reference guide to help you keep track:
Your attitude and body language can also impact your bernedoodle's potty training progress. If you're feeling nervous or impatient, your dog will pick up on those vibes and may have trouble learning.
Outdoor
Training your puppy outdoors is a great way to establish a routine and make potty training a breeze. Establish a regular schedule and take your puppy outside on a consistent timing, such as right after meals, naps, and playtime.
Smaller dogs have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they'll require more frequent trips outside. Female puppies seem to need to go potty slightly more often than males, but this isn't always the case.
You can use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, such as praising your puppy or giving them a treat when they finish their business. Your attitude is a big influencer, so try to stay calm and patient.
If you see any of the common signs that your puppy needs to eliminate, such as whining, scratching, circling, sniffing, or barking, take them outside right away. Size will be a big determiner of how often your puppy will need to go, so keep an eye on the clock and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Here's a rough guide to help you estimate how often your puppy will need to go potty based on their age:
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Positive reinforcement is a widely used training method that focuses on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. This approach involves using attention, praise, toys, and treats to reinforce good behavior.
Verbal praise is a great way to start, as it lets your dog know they've done a great job. Simply say "Good job!" or "Nice potty!" whenever they do their business in the right spot.
Using healthy, low-calorie treats as rewards during training sessions can be especially effective. Opt for treats that are suitable for your dog's dietary needs.
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Here are some tips to keep in mind when using positive reinforcement:
- Be consistent with your rewards and praise.
- Use a variety of rewards to keep things interesting.
- Timing is everything - reward your dog immediately after they've done their business.
Remember, positive reinforcement is all about associating good behavior with rewards. By doing so, your dog is more likely to repeat that behavior.
Dealing with Accidents and Setbacks
Accidents are inevitable during the potty training process. Mistakes are a normal part of learning for both you and your Bernedoodle puppy.
Don't scold or shout at your puppy if they make a mistake. This can create fear and make them associate your anger with their bodily functions.
If you find a spot but didn't see it happen, don't get angry. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it or punishing them will only make them afraid of you.
If you do catch them in the act, clap loudly to grab attention and quickly remove the puppy to the correct location. This helps your puppy understand what's expected of them.
Accidents are a normal part of the learning process and will happen less frequently as your puppy gets older and more consistent with their training.
Here are some key things to remember when dealing with accidents:
- Don't punish your puppy for accidents
- Clap loudly to grab attention if you catch them in the act
- Quickly remove the puppy to the correct location
With patience and consistency, your Bernedoodle puppy will learn to hold it in no time.
Equipment and Supplies
To effectively train your Bernedoodle, you'll need some essential equipment and supplies. Treats are a must-have for rewarding good behavior during training sessions, so be sure to choose healthy, low-calorie options suitable for your Bernedoodle's dietary needs.
A fun toy or two can also keep your Bernedoodle engaged and motivated during training. Puzzle toys, in particular, are great for mental stimulation.
You'll need a good quality collar or harness for outdoor training, and a harness is recommended for Bernedoodles that tend to pull. A sturdy leash is also a must-have for walks and outdoor training sessions, providing you with control and comfort.
Here are some essential equipment and supplies to get you started:
- Treats (healthy, low-calorie)
- Toys (fun and puzzle toys)
- Collar or harness (good quality)
- Leash (sturdy)
- Crate (for safe and secure space)
Puppy Training Equipment
To effectively train your Bernedoodle, you'll need the right equipment. Treats are a must-have for rewarding good behavior during training sessions, and it's best to opt for healthy, low-calorie treats that meet your puppy's dietary needs.
You'll also want to incorporate fun toys into your training routine to keep your Bernedoodle engaged. Puzzle toys can be especially helpful for mental stimulation and can keep your puppy entertained for hours.
A good quality collar or harness is essential for outdoor training, and a harness is recommended for Bernedoodles who tend to pull. A sturdy leash is also a must-have for walks and outdoor training sessions.
Consider crate training your Bernedoodle to provide a safe and secure space, which can aid in house training and prevent destructive behaviors. Crates can be especially helpful for establishing a routine and eliminating accidents.
Here's a list of essential equipment you'll need for training your Bernedoodle:
- Treats (healthy, low-calorie)
- Toys (puzzle toys recommended)
- Collar or harness (harness recommended for Bernedoodles who pull)
- Leash (sturdy)
- Crate (for house training and establishing a routine)
Paper
Paper is a great option for pet owners living in smaller spaces. This type of training is ideal for people living in smaller spaces.
You can use a newspaper or a pee pad for paper training, making it a convenient and mess-free solution.
This method is a good starter until you have fully transitioned into the designated potty area.
Tips and Guidelines
Make sure your Bernedoodle puppy has enough space in their crate to stand up and turn around. This will prevent them from sleeping in one corner and eliminating in another.
Don't leave your puppy in the crate for long periods, especially in the first couple months. This will help them learn to hold it in and not associate the crate with elimination.
A crate that's too big can be just as bad as one that's too small. Your puppy will learn to sleep in one corner and eliminate in another if there's too much room.
It's essential to establish a routine for crate time to help your puppy learn to hold it in. Consistency is key when it comes to housetraining.
See what others are reading: How to Crate Train Puppies for Potty Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Bernedoodles go to the bathroom?
Bernedoodles typically need to go to the bathroom every 30-60 minutes when awake. Consistency and rewards can help establish a regular potty routine.
Sources
- https://www.wisconsindesignerdoodles.com/stokeshire-doodle-puppy-blog/bernedoodle-potty-training
- https://joleyaire.com/blog/potty-training
- https://centralillinoisdoodles.com/blog/are-bernedoodles-easy-to-train-training-insights-and-tips/
- https://www.jennaleedoodles.com/post/a-breeder-s-potty-training-tips-for-doodle-pupppies
- https://www.crockettdoodles.com/housebreaking-your-puppy/
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