How to potty train your bernedoodle puppy
🐾 Potty training is doable!
Bringing home a new bernedoodle puppy is an exciting time for any family. The cuddles, playtime, and those sweet puppy eyes melt your heart instantly. But the stark reality is that along with all this joy comes the responsibility of training and equipping the new family member for life and all that life brings with it. One of the most important (and sometimes challenging) parts of puppy ownership is Potty Training!
The good news? The poodle genetics in Bernedoodle puppies make them generally easier to house train than many other breeds! These little guys are smart as a whip and usually learn very quickly.
Here at Walnut Valley Puppies we give our puppies a great start with the potty training process before they go home. We have doggie doors that the puppies can go through to use the bathroom outside of their main living quarters. I've often been amazed at how young our puppies start using potty outside. By the time they are six weeks old, it is very rare for them to have accidents inside. This is a big head-start for our new puppy families and we often hear that the puppy training process is very short and easy with our puppies!
Potty training isn’t just about keeping your floors clean (though that’s a big part of it!). There's so much more that happens through the training process then just “potty stuff”. The whole process of potty training is a great part of bonding together and learning to know each other. (Read more about socializing your Bernedoodle puppy here.) It’s about teaching your puppy how to live happily in your home. Dogs thrive when they know what’s expected of them plus, good potty habits early on prevent frustration for both you and your dog!
With patience, consistency, and the right plan, potty training your bernedoodle puppy can often be a simple and bonding experience. Read on to learn how you and your puppy can successfully navigate this important step in life!
Following are some basic guidelines to successful puppy potty training.
Understand Your Puppy’s Needs
Puppies have small bladders and limited control. It’s often said that on average a 2-month-old puppy can usually hold it for 2 hours, 3-month-old puppy about 3 hours, and by 6 months: 6–7 hours is often possible.
So, the Rule of Thumb is: Puppies can hold their bladder for about 1 hour per month of age. While this is an average for puppies, (we especially recommend daytime potty times to be frequent) we’ve found that our bernedoodle puppies can often go longer than this. A lot them only need one potty time during the night at a very young age, and some sleep all night soon after they go home!
Use your common sense! For example, if you find that getting up once per night isn't enough and your puppy is using potty in its crate, you'll need to step up the game and have the potty times closer together.
Choose a Potty Spot
Whether you want your puppy to go outside in the yard or on a designated potty pad indoors, consistency is key! Always take your puppy to the same spot. The scent helps them recognize where they should “do their business.” Speaking out of experience, it can be very frustrating to have puppies start using potty in the wrong place as they often seem determined to go right back to their former “stomping grounds.”
Set a Schedule
Routine is so much when it comes to potty training. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, 15-30 minutes after each meal when digestion triggers elimination, after drinking water, after naps, and before bedtime. As mentioned earlier, they might also need one or two nighttime potty breaks until they mature.
Use a Cue Word
Choose a simple phrase like “Go potty” or “Do your business.” (Or whatever other phrase that suits your fancy! 😛 ) Say it in with a cheerful, encouraging voice each time you bring your puppy to the potty spot. Over time, they’ll associate the phrase you use with going potty.
Praise and Reward
The instant your puppy finishes, celebrate! Use a happy voice, petting, and a small treat. (Treats are so powerful!) Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement, not punishment. Make it clear that going potty in the right spot is the best thing ever!
Watch for signs
Learn your puppy's pre-potty signals like sniffing, circling, whining, or heading toward the door. Be sure to take them out immediately when you see these! (In case you're getting overwhelmed by now, take courage. It's only for a season! And remember that through this process, you're getting to know your puppy and they're getting to know you!)
Supervise Closely
Accidents usually happen when a puppy roams around unsupervised. In the first weeks you might need to keep them on a leash with you in the house, block off areas you can’t see, use a playpen or gated area, or then do whatever else it takes to stay in sight of your puppy until he is reliable in his potty traing.
We highly recommend crate training. It is a powerful tool for potty training. Dogs and puppies do not like to “go” in their sleeping areas and will wait to potty much longer than if they are running around in a bigger area. Crate training helps puppies learn to control their bladder. The crate should be just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down. (If it’s too big, they might use one corner as a bathroom 😬) Always give your puppy a potty break before and after crate time.
Handle Accidents Calmly
Even with the best plan in place, accidents can and will happen. When they do, don’t scold, yell, or rub your puppy’s nose in it’s stuff. This creates fear and confusion. If you catch your puppy mid-accident, calmly interrupt them, pick them up, and carry them to the potty spot. Praise them if they finish outside.
It's fairly important to clean the soiled spot with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent completely. (Dogs will often return to the same spot if they smell urine.)
Nighttime Potty Training
Young puppies often need at least one or two nighttime potty breaks. To minimize accidents at night you can remove their water bowl about 2 hours before bedtime and be sure to take them out to potty right before you put them to bed!
If they cry at night, take them straight outside. Let them use potty, then put them right back into the crate. I know it's tempting, but don't talk or play with them. They need to learn that night-time is not playtime!
As your puppy grows older, he’ll gradually be able to sleep longer without needing to go out. From feedback from our customers and from personal experience, I've often been amazed at how quickly our puppies can go entire night without going potty!
Consider bell training
This one is optional, but definitely helpful and fun! You can teach your puppy to ring bells when they need to go potty. To do this, hang bells on the door you use to go out to potty. Put them at the puppies’ nose level. Each time you take them out, be sure to ring the bell yourself or guide their nose or paw to ring it. Immediately after open the door and go to the potty spot. With time, they will start ringing the bells themselves! Be sure to immediately respond every time if they start ringing.
A warning on this one!👆 Some smart dogs will ring the bell just so they can go outside for fun. (And yes, bernedoodle puppies are smart!) If they ring the bell, be sure to always take them to the potty spot first before any play!
Celebrate Progress
Potty training can take months to be fully reliability. Some puppies learn quickly, while others need more time. Don’t compare your puppy to anyone else’s. Celebrate each milestone and remember that your puppy’s confidence and your bond will grow along the way!
Don't be surprised if you see regression around 4 to 6 months during adolescence. This is not unusual. Just be sure to stick to your routine and “this too shall pass”.
Following are some common potty training problems and solutions
Problem: Puppy Keeps Having Accidents Indoors
Solution: Increase supervision, adjust their schedule, and make sure you’re rewarding the right behavior. If it persists, you might want to check with your vet to out-rule any medical conditions.
Problem: Puppy Won’t Go Outside
Solution: Spend more time at the potty spot, use cue words, and don’t rush. Puppies sometimes need 10–15 minutes to relax. (I know, you're busy, but…. it's worth your time!)
Problem: Puppy Pees Right After Coming Inside
Solution: You might have to stay outside longer. Are they relaxed when at their potty area? Be sure to reward immediately if they go. If needed, keep them on a leash indoors until they are reliable.
Problem: Puppy Uses Crate as Bathroom
Solution: Check the crate size (Is it too big?), take them out to potty more often, and you might need to rule out health issues.
Problem: Puppy Submissively Urinates When Excited
Solution: This one can be a challenge and is different from a lack of training. We have found that keeping greetings calm sometimes helps. Build confidence with training and don’t punish for the accidents. The good news is, it often will resolve with maturity.
FAQs: Puppy Potty Training
Q: How long does it take to potty train a bernedoodle puppy?
A: A lot of puppies take about 4–6 months for full reliability, though some learn faster and some slower. Our Bernedoodle puppies are super smart and usually learn fast!
Q: Should I use puppy pads?
A: Puppy pads can be helpful for apartment living or very young puppies, but outdoor training tends to be easier in the long run.
Q: What if my puppy refuses to go outside in bad weather?
A: Use an umbrella, covered porch, or a designated sheltered potty area if possible. Some owners use artificial grass patches indoors as a backup.
Q: Can I potty train my puppy while I’m at work?
A: Yes, but you might need help. Puppies can’t hold it for very long, so you might want to consider getting a friend, doggy daycare, or someone else for the midday potty breaks.
Q: My puppy still has accidents after 6 months—is this normal?
A: Some puppies take longer. But if accidents are frequent, rule out medical issues like urinary tract infections. We have found that UTIs can cause accidents. If your train puppy suddenly has frequent accidents, and you can't figure out what's going on, be sure to see your vet about it.
Q: Should I wake my puppy up at night to go potty?
A: In the first few weeks you will probably need to. Puppies under 12 weeks often can’t hold it all night. Gradually, they’ll be able to sleep through.
Q: What’s the #1 mistake in potty training?
A: Not rewarding quickly enough. Rewards have to be given immediately after the desired behavior (within seconds).
Q: Do you have any other recommended places where I can learn more about potty training my puppy?
A: Yes. Check out AKC's extensive article. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-potty-train-a-puppy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Purina https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/puppy/training/how-to-potty-train-a-puppy?utm_source=chatgpt.com and The online dog trainer are a few more you might want to check out. https://theonlinedogtrainer.com/free-puppy-potty-training-video/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Please note. There's lots of good information on these sites, but you will need to ultimately decide what is right for you and your puppy!)
Final Thoughts
Potty training your sweet bernedoodle puppy might feel overwhelming at times, but remember that every accident is just a small step in the learning process. With patience, love, and consistency, your puppy will get it. One day soon, you’ll look back and smile at how far you’ve both come!
Remember, your puppy isn’t just learning where to go potty—they’re learning that you’re their guide, teacher, and safe place. That bond will last a lifetime! 🐾
