Feel a little nauseous at the thought of potty training your Aussiedoodle? Worried it’ll be like having a newborn baby with lots of sleepless nights? Perhaps this is the one thing putting you off taking the plunge to commit to a dog? We set out to explore whether Aussiedoodles respond well to potty training and we share some tips along the way too. Step away from those puppy training mats and relax as we answer all your questions.
Being an intelligent, eager to please breed makes the Aussiedoodle easy to potty train. It involves consistency, clear commands, a good routine, patience, and recognizing the signs they need to potty. It is never too early to start potty training your Aussiepoo.
Do you feel as though maybe you are missing a trick with potty training? Or just perhaps a little overwhelmed with the whole prospect as well as adjusting to your new family member. Read on to discover why it’s not as daunting as it all seems.
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Are Aussiedoodles Intelligent?
A big part of ascertaining whether a dog will take well to potty training depends on how well they pick up new words and commands. The Aussiedoodle, a cross between a Poodle and an Australian Shepherd, was rated as the 6th smartest Doodle in our recent poll.
This means you are in luck and already have an advantage before you’ve even started. Aussiedoodles are keen to please their owners and love being a part of the family so training can only accomplish good things.
Potty Training Your Aussiedoodle
You’ve got your bundle of furry joy home so now what? How does the whole potty training thing work? Before you leave your breeder’s home/premises be sure to ask if they have already started a potty-training routine. If they have, and you start a whole new routine it might well confuse them causing accidents. Follow theirs as much as you can if they’ve already started.
There are, of course, advantages to breeders starting the process as it means you should have fewer mishaps. On the other hand, being able to implement your own routine and rules is also a positive thing. Once you understand what your pup does or doesn’t understand will help establish what happens next in terms of potty training.
Assuming your Aussiedoodle has no prior potty-training exposure with the breeder and you are beginning the process from scratch you should start as soon as you bring them home.
It’s also worth bearing in mind the general rule of thumb is to take your puppy’s age in months and add one extra on – this is roughly how many hours your dog can hold their wee in. So, a 4-month-old pup should be able to refrain from going potty for 5 hours. This, however, is just a loose guide.
Aussiedoodles are keen to learn, are quick thinkers, and pick up commands quickly so you shouldn’t have any issues when you decide to start.
The Key to Successful Potty Training
- Be Consistent: Once you start the potty-training routine carry it through. It might be frustrating to begin with, but it will get easier. Also, be consistent with your routine, if using puppy mats, place them in one place and don’t move them around.
- Use One Command Only: Teach your puppy the command you want them to learn for going to the toilet. It might be “wee time” or “go potty”, for example. Use this command every time so that they associate the command with the behavior.
- Lots of Praise: Potty training will never go well if you lose your temper with your pooch during mishaps. From the start, you need to accept there will be some accidents and resolve to be calm about it.
- Regular Outings: Be sure to take your Aussiedoodle outside lots, for both walks and toilet trips. The most important times are the last thing at night, first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and playtimes. It’s unlikely your dog will ask to go in the beginning so preplanning these outside visits is important.
- Crate Training: Crate training can be very helpful during the potty-training process, especially when you won’t be home. It keeps them confined to one area (a shut room will work too) but this shouldn’t be for long periods at a time.
- Have a Designated Toilet Space: In the yard take your dog to the same place on a leash to go potty. They will soon associate this area with their own toilet area. It also keeps the rest of the yard clean. The scent of their wee will encourage them to go again.
Recognizing When your Aussiedoodle Needs to Potty
When you bring a new puppy home you very quickly become in tune with their behaviors and antics. You’ll quickly discover what their personality is like, and you’ll learn their likes and dislikes.
You’ll also begin to realize they have their own cues for needing to go potty and you need to be aware of these at all times. Your dog might pace, sniff or paw the door, bark at you, or begin circling. These are all possible signs your pooch needs to go.
Which Method is Best?
Straight Outside
Not using pads or mats but taking your Aussiedoodle outside at every opportunity. Many dog owners who have used Puppy Pads will tell you that it is like training them twice when you have to transition from the mat to outside.
Accidents are best ignored, and the puppy taken straight outside using your chosen command each time they occur.
Training Pads
Training Pads are layered absorbent mats designed to soak up the pee and catch the poop so your Aussiedoodle can toilet train inside. They are most often disposable, but you can buy reusable pads.
They can be helpful in the early days but be careful of this becoming the norm as you may then struggle to get your dog to understand going potty outside.
Training Pads are also known as Puppy Pads, Potty Pads, and Pee Pads. They can be especially useful for those who struggle to easily access outside spaces such as those with mobility issues or those who live in apartments.
Bell Training
Bell training is teaching your dog to ring or press a bell when they want to go potty. The bell would be kept by the door.
If you have an Aussiedoodle who’s cue isn’t to bark when they need to access outside then bell training would enable you to hear their call should you be in another part of the house.
Dealing with Potty Accidents
We know your Aussiedoodle is capable of learning quickly but there will likely be potty mishaps along the way. If you are realistic about this and accepting of it then it won’t be a big deal.
Never punish your Aussiedoodle for having an accident – this is counterproductive for everyone. If you happen to catch them in the act, then a quick word or command such as “no” or “uh oh” followed by taking them outdoors will suffice.
If you come home to find an unpleasant “gift” awaits you then just clean it up without making a fuss. It may well have happened some time ago and they won’t understand your anger by this point. Instead, just take them in the yard so they can relieve themselves.
Why Isn’t My Aussiedoodle Getting the Hang of It?
On occasion, it may take a dog a little longer than the norm to learn the ropes. Don’t despair if yours is one who just isn’t coping with the routine? It’s ok, it’s not an exact science and every dog in the world is different and will respond differently.
It might be something really simple that’s setting them back – a fear, a phobia, a dislike to something, a change in the environment, or something else.
When this does happen, it’s best to go back to the very basics again. Work with your dog and have faith that they will pick it up. They will sense your frustrations and Aussiedoodles like to please their owners, not upset them.
If things aren’t improving, it’s wise to get a full check-up booked just in case a medical issue is to blame.
Final Word
Enjoy your new Aussiedoodle and don’t let the thought of potty training detract from these special moments. Use it as a bonding experience as you both learn to understand each other. You’ll soon forget the stressful times of potty training and it’ll just be another learning curve achieved.
