Potty Training Your Cavapoo A Guide to Success
Congratulations on your new Cavapoo! Bringing a new baby into your home is always exciting, but it can also be messy, especially when it comes to potty training. Let’s work through everything you need to know to potty train your Cavapoo successfully.
Cavapoo potty training can be a messy times, but with love, consistency and patience, it can be achieved successfully. An effective method is to establish a routine for feeding, watering, and taking your Cavapoo outside for potty breaks. Crate training can be helpful in teaching your Cavapoo to hold their bladder and bowels for longer periods of time. Rewarding your puppy for good behavior and never punishing for accidents is crucial in establishing positive reinforcement for successful potty training.
Mastering the Art of Potty Training: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your New Puppy
Step 1: Establish a Regular Feeding Schedule
Establishing a regular feeding schedule helps regulate puppy’s bowel movements. Puppies typically need to go potty about 20 minutes after eating. Feed your puppy at the same time every day and take them out to potty immediately afterward.
Step 2: Choose a Potty Spot
Choose a designated potty spot outside and consistently take your puppy there to go potty. This helps the puppy associate the spot with going potty and along with the toilet smells, will make the training process easier.
Step 3: Crate Train Your Puppy
Crate training is an effective way to help your puppy hold their bladder for longer periods. Dogs typically don’t like to soil their living area and will learn to hold it until they are let out of the crate (just don’t leave the duration unfairly long for a tiny bladder). Make sure the crate is appropriately sized and provide comfortable bedding and toys.
Step 4: Supervise Your Puppy
When your puppy is not in the crate, supervise them closely. Keep them within sight and make sure to watch for signs of needing to go potty, such as sniffing or circling. If you work from home, if possible try to work outside with puppy to minimise any accidents.
Step 5: Take Frequent Potty Breaks
Puppies have tiny little bladders and need to go potty frequently, so it’s important to take them out often. As a general rule, take your puppy out every two hours, as well as after meals, playtime, and naps.
Step 6: Reward Positive Behavior
When your puppy goes potty in the designated spot, show your excitement, give them plenty of praise and treats. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the behavior in the future.
Step 7: Clean Up Accidents Promptly
Accidents are bound to happen during the potty training process. When they do, don’t make a fuss and draw unnecessary attention, clean them up promptly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odors. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they may actually attract your puppy to the same spot.
Understanding Your Cavapoo’s Potty Needs
The first step in potty training your Cavapoo is to understand their potty needs. They have tiny little bladders, on average, a Cavapoo puppy will need to go potty every two to four hours, depending on their age and activity level. Also when they wake up from a nap and about 10 – 20 minutes after eating a meal. Keep an eye out for the signs that your Cavapoo needs to go potty, such as sniffing around, pacing, or whining and the most obvious squatting! Once you understand your Cavapoo’s potty needs and get into their rhythms, you can start scheduling potty breaks accordingly.
Choosing a Potty Spot and Equipment
Decide on a potty spot and equipment for your Cavapoo. Choose a spot that is easy for your Cavapoo to access and away from high-traffic areas. You can either use potty pads indoors or train your Cavapoo to go potty outside. Make sure to choose the right potty equipment for your Cavapoo, such as a crate, a leash, or a potty pad holder.
Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential in potty training your Cavapoo. You’ll need to be around a lot if you want to nail toilet training quickly. Stick to a schedule, and take your Cavapoo to their potty spot at regular intervals. When your Cavapoo goes potty in the right spot, reward them with lots of praise and treats. Praise them like they have just achieved the best thing ever! Avoid punishing your Cavapoo for accidents, as it can confuse and scare them. Don’t rub their noses in it, that’s so old school and completely ineffective. You’ll only ruin your bond and make your pup fear you.
Dealing with Accidents
Accidents happen – they WILL HAPPEN – even with the best potty-trained dogs. Stock up in advance on safe cleaning products for your floor surfaces. If your Cavapoo has an accident, clean it up immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any odors that may attract your Cavapoo to that spot. Don’t scold or punish your Cavapoo, as it will only make them afraid of going potty in front of you. Instead, focus on preventing future accidents by sticking to a consistent potty schedule. If they go in the house take them straight to the place where they should go and keep up the consistency.
FAQ
At what age can I start potty training my Cavapoo?
You can start potty training your Cavapoo as early as 8 weeks old. It’s best to start as soon as possible to establish good habits.
How often should I take my Cavapoo out to potty?
As a general rule, take your Cavapoo out every two hours, as well as after meals, playtime, and naps. Puppies have small bladders and need to go potty frequently.
How long does it take to fully potty train a Cavapoo?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fully potty train a Cavapoo. The training process depends on several factors, including the puppy’s age, temperament, and consistency in training.
What should I do if my Cavapoo has an accident inside the house?
Clean up accidents promptly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odors. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they may actually attract your puppy to the same spot.
How can I prevent my Cavapoo from having accidents inside the house?
Supervise your Cavapoo closely when they are not in the crate. Keep them within sight and watch for signs of needing to go potty, such as sniffing or circling.
Is crate training necessary for potty training a Cavapoo?
Crate training is not necessary for potty training a Cavapoo, but it can be a helpful tool. Crate training can help your Cavapoo hold their bladder for longer periods and establish good habits.
How should I react when my Cavapoo goes potty outside?
When your Cavapoo goes potty in the designated spot outside, give them plenty of praise and treats. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the behavior in the future.
Should I punish my Cavapoo if they have an accident inside the house?
No, you should not punish your Cavapoo if they have an accident inside the house. Punishment can be confusing and counterproductive. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement for good behavior.
What if my Cavapoo doesn’t seem to be getting the hang of potty training?
If your Cavapoo is having trouble with potty training, don’t give up. Try to identify any areas where you can improve consistency in training and make adjustments accordingly. You can also consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer.
Can I use potty pads or newspapers for potty training my Cavapoo?
While puppy pads or newspapers can be used for keeping a young puppy clean in a pen at night, whenever possible it’s best to train your Cavapoo to go outside in a designated potty spot. This will make the transition to going potty outside easier and more consistent. Using puppy pads or newspapers might create confusion for your Cavapoo about where they are allowed to go potty and may prolong the potty training process. If you live in an apartment or have limited access to an outdoor potty spot, consider using a litter box specifically designed for puppies. This can help your Cavapoo learn to associate a specific spot with going potty and make the transition to going outside easier in the future.
Putting the effort into potty training your Cavapoo as early as possible is worth the effort. With time and practice, your Cavapoo will learn to go potty in the right spot, and you’ll have a well-trained and happy furry companion. Remember to celebrate every success, and be patient with your Cavapoo as they learn – it’s a journey.
