Potty Training of Goldendoodle Puppy

Here at Goldilock’s Goldendoodles, we potty train our puppies in as little as 1-2 weeks and consider potty training a priority when it comes to finding puppies their forever homes. Here are three important things to consider when potty training your puppy!

1. Establish a Potty Area

You don’t want your puppy wandering all over to find a spot for their business, so designating particular potty areas is crucial for training! This means repetition, repetition, repetition — taking the puppy out to the chosen area every time a bathroom break is necessary, letting them smell the area and do their business, and reinforcing a command with praise and treats!

Puppies require more bathroom breaks than adult dogs, so creating a routine every two hours with this method in the same potty area is a good start. Additionally, creating a feeding schedule, potty areas, and playtime are general ways to establish consistency during training.

2. Crate Training

Crate training is a great way to start conditioning your puppy for their own safe space indoors. The process requires patience; dogs are naturally playful! According to the AKC, the right crate and mindset for your dog are vital — you want the right size crate and a calm demeanor for the pet to associate the space with… plus plenty of treats as incentives. Ten-minute intervals are a good introduction before working your way up to longer periods of time.

A smart approach to crate training, even after a 10-15 minute interval inside the crate, is directing them right to your designated potty area and reinforcing the potty command before AND during! This way, the puppy will associate the place with the phrase. If your puppy soils in the wrong area, don’t scold or punish them afterward; instead, give them a warning tone beforehand and take them away from the mess while you clean up. 

Time outside the crate is necessary for your dog as well to learn where to play and where to calm down. Again, patience is key here; it will take a few months for the puppy to learn the ins and outs of the crate.. literally!

3. Encouragement & Support

Leaving your puppy alone to figure out how to potty on their own is not a recommended option. In fact, owners need to take an active role in the training process! Integrate positive praise and feedback when something goes right, and even throw in a small treat as an incentive to keep up the good behavior! While crate training, specifically at nighttime, keep the puppy close by so they feel at home and comforted within their new family.

Whether you are training your puppy to go potty indoors or outdoors (exposing your pet to both is great), be present, reinforcing, and of course… loving! A dog’s learning is not linear and perfect, but your presence alone is most needed.

Potty training a Goldendoodle puppy—whether Mini, Medium, or Standard—is all about consistency, patience, and a well-structured plan. These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs can be trained relatively easily with the right approach. This guide will help you potty train your Goldendoodle effectively by providing a clear training schedule, actionable tips, and practical advice to make the process stress-free.

Why Potty Training a Goldendoodle Can Be Easier Than You Think

Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and friendly nature. These traits make them quicker learners compared to many other breeds. However, because of their high energy and sensitive temperament, it’s essential to approach potty training with a consistent and positive attitude. Puppies need structure, so establishing a solid potty training schedule early on is critical.

Goldendoodle Potty Training Schedule: A Day in the Life

A reliable potty training schedule is the foundation of success. Below is a sample routine that works for Goldendoodle puppies of all sizes.

Morning Routine:

• First Potty Break: Take your Goldendoodle outside immediately after waking up. Use a consistent command like “Go potty.” The best time would be 6:30 to 7:00 AM. 
• Breakfast: Feed your puppy, then take them out for another potty break within 10 minutes. It’s best to finish breakfast by 8:00 AM. 
• Walk & Play: Physical activity helps stimulate their digestive system, so always offer a potty break after a play session.

Midday Routine:

• Lunch & Potty Break: After eating, take your puppy outside within 5–10 minutes.
• Nap Time: Puppies sleep a lot! Always take them out after naps.
• Training Session & Potty Break: Keep training sessions fun and rewarding. Use them as an opportunity to reinforce potty training habits.

Evening Routine:

• Dinner & Potty Break: Follow the same rule—take your puppy out immediately after eating.
• Play & Potty Break: Monitor your puppy closely during playtime for signs they may need to go.
• Final Potty Break: Make this the last potty break of the night before putting your puppy to bed.

Tip: Younger Goldendoodles (under four months) may need to go out every 2–3 hours, including during the night. As they grow, they’ll gain more bladder control, reducing the frequency of potty breaks.

Essential Goldendoodle Potty Training Tips

1. Stick to a Routine: Puppies learn best through repetition. A consistent schedule will speed up the potty training process.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Goldendoodle every time they potty outside. Treats, praise, and a happy tone make a big difference.
3. Designate a Potty Area: Take your puppy to the same spot each time. The scent will remind them it’s time to go.
4. Supervise & Crate Train: Never give your puppy unsupervised access to the house until they’re fully trained. Crate training helps build bladder control.
5. Watch for Signs: Common signs that your puppy needs to go include sniffing, circling, whining, or suddenly stopping their play.

Common Potty Training Challenges & Solutions

1. Accidents Indoors
Accidents will happen—especially in the early stages. Stay calm and avoid punishment. Clean the spot with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors and prevent your puppy from returning to that spot.

2. Regression
Potty training regression is common at around four months. This doesn’t mean your puppy has forgotten everything—it’s just a phase. Go back to basics with more frequent potty breaks and close supervision.

3. Nighttime Accidents
If your puppy is struggling at night, set an alarm to take them out once or twice. Gradually reduce nighttime potty breaks as their bladder control improves.

4. Weather Sensitivity
Goldendoodles might hesitate to go outside in the rain or cold. Use a covered area or train them to go on an indoor potty pad during extreme weather.

How Long Does Potty Training a Goldendoodle Take?

Most Goldendoodles are potty trained by 4 to 6 months of age, although it can vary depending on the puppy and your consistency. Larger Goldendoodles may gain bladder control a bit earlier, while Mini Goldendoodles might take a little longer due to their smaller size. Stick to your routine, and don’t be discouraged by occasional setbacks.

Troubleshooting Potty Training Setbacks

Even the best-trained puppies have setbacks. If you notice a sudden increase in accidents, assess what’s changed in their routine. Have you introduced new people, changed their feeding schedule, or reduced potty breaks? Adjust accordingly, and your puppy will get back on track quickly.

Final Thoughts on Goldendoodle Potty Training

Potty training a Goldendoodle puppy requires time, patience, and dedication, but the rewards are worth the effort. A consistent Goldendoodle potty training schedule, positive reinforcement, and a bit of flexibility will help you raise a well-trained dog that’s a joy to have around.

Remember, every puppy is different. Some may learn quickly, while others take a bit longer. Stay patient, celebrate the small wins, and trust the process. With your guidance, your Goldendoodle will master potty training in no time!