How to Potty Train an Aussiedoodle
Are you interested in learning how to potty train an Aussiedoodle. If you’ve never house trained an Aussiedoodle or any other puppy before, it could feel overwhelming. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Are you considering bringing an adorable Aussiedoodle into your home? If you’re new to house training a puppy, the effort to potty train might seem a bit daunting. However, fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of effectively potty training your Aussiedoodle. While it will require patience and consistency from you, your Aussiedoodle is an intelligent breed that will make the training manageable for both you and your pup.
The Clever Aussiedoodle Breed
Before jumping into the potty training process, let’s understand why Aussiedoodles are generally easy to house train. These beautiful dogs are the result of crossbreeding a Poodle, known for its high intellect intelligence, and an Australian Shepherd, known for its herding instincts and loyalty.
Poodles are super smart and trainable, ranking them second only to the Border Collie in terms of intelligence. A Poodle’s ability to grasp complex commands and understand human cues makes them great companions and service dogs. Australian Shepherds, although slightly lower in the intelligence than that of a Poodle, make up for it with natural herding instincts and loyalty to their owners. Combining these two breeds results in the Aussiedoodle, a dog that inherits the best of both worlds – intelligence, instincts, and loyalty.
The Potty Training Process
Potty training an Aussiedoodle involves several easy to follow, but important steps. By following these steps regularly and consistently, you can expect to have a successful potty training experience:
Step 1: Designate an Outdoor Area
As we just mentioned, consistency is key when training any dog. Begin by designating a specific area outside as “the potty zone”. What you’ll be doing is associating this potty zone with going potty. In doing so, it will help your Aussiedoodle understand when and where they should go.
Another way to look at it is that you’re creating a dedicated space that your dog will understands means its time to go to the bathroom. As obvious as it might sound, this concept is just like what we as humans do for using a public restroom. We recognize a restroom sign and know what to do when we see it. Similarly, your Aussiedoodle will gradually associate the” potty zone” with the act of going potty.
The reason this works so well lies in the power of association. Dogs, especially Aussiedoodles are quick learners. So much so that they’re excellent at linking actions to specific places. By consistently bringing your pup to the designated potty zone whenever it’s time for them to go, you’re teaching them that this is the right thing to do, at the right time, in the right spot. It’s like creating a natural reflex where they understand that stepping into this zone means it’s time to do their business.
As your Aussiedoodle gets more used to this routine, you’ll likely notice that they start to head directly to the potty zone when they feel the need to go. This is a sign that the association has clicked in their mind. They’ve learned that when they’re in the potty zone, it’s the right time and place to do their thing.
It’s important to remember that patience and repetition are your allies in this process. Just like any training, it takes time for your pup to fully grasp the concept and consistently follow through. And by time, we don’t mean in an afternoon or overnight. It will take many days and potentially even a few weeks for them to fully get it. But once they do get it, you’ll have a potty trained pup. So, keep up the consistent visits to the potty zone, and you’ll be well on your way to having a well-trained and housebroken Aussiedoodle.
Step 2: Establish a Routine
If we weren’t already clear, a structured routine is really important during the early stages of potty training. In the first month, your puppy’s bladder is small, which means they’ll need more trips outside. This phase of potty training can certainly wear on you because you’ll need to take your Aussiedoodle out every few (2 to 3) hours. That includes overnight hours! Set alarms to remind yourself of the schedule, and see if you can get help from family or friends during the day to share the responsibility.
As your puppy grows, you can gradually increase the time intervals between outings. For instance, after Cooper’s first week, we shifted to a three-hour interval. By the time he was three months old, we extended it to four hours. By staying committed to the routine, you’ll witness significant progress in your puppy’s potty training journey.
After the first week with Cooper, we were able to shift to a schedule of taking him out every three hours. That lasted until he was 3 months old. At that point, we were able to increase the intervals to every four hours. By the time Cooper was 3 and a half months old, he was fully potty trained.
Step 3: Consistency
When you take your Aussiedoodle outside, use a consistent potty command, such as “go potty.” This verbal cue helps your puppy associate the action with the command. Use your chosen command regularly until they relieve themselves, but be patient!. Once they do go potty, shower them with praise, pets, and treats. This reinforcement creates a positive connection between going potty and receiving rewards. We like to think of it as a way to communicate with your dog, helping them understand what you expect from them in that moment. This simple but effective technique becomes a bridge between your command and their action.
We’re going to use that first important word again: consistency. It’s key during this step of potty training. Dogs are smart, but they’re not mind-readers. They learn through repetition and linking actions to outcomes. So, every time you take your pup out for a bathroom break, use the same command – “go potty.” This repetition helps your Aussiedoodle recognize the command and understand that it’s related to doing their business.
Step 4: Embrace Patience and Praise
Now here’s that second important word: patience. Just like humans, dogs have their own pace when it comes to using the restroom. While you might be eager for your pup to get the job done quickly, your Aussiedoodle might need a little more time to find the perfect spot. It’s important to wait patiently and give them the space they need. Rushing them might lead to confusion and could even make them reluctant to go when you give the command.
Obviously, the magic happens once they actually go potty. That’s your cue to turn into the ultimate cheerleader! Shower them with praise – use an excited tone and let them know they’ve done something awesome. Physical affection like pets and gentle pats also reinforce the positive experience. And let’s not forget about treats – a small, tasty reward creates a direct link between following your command and getting something they love.
This positive reinforcement is key to their learning process. They start associating the command “go potty” with not only the action itself but also a shower of good things – praise, pets, and treats. It’s like a little celebration of their achievement. Over time, this positive connection makes them more likely to respond promptly when you give the command in the “potty zone”.
In essence, using a consistent potty command is like setting up a language between you and your Aussiedoodle. It’s a way to communicate your expectations and guide their behavior. With repetition, patience, and positive reinforcement, you’re teaching them to understand and follow your cues. So, remember to be patient while they find their spot, and when they do their thing, make it a party of praise and rewards. Your pup will catch on, and soon enough, they’ll be responding to your potty command like a pro!
All that said, accidents are inevitable during the training process. Stay patient and remember that these mishaps are part of the learning curve. With time, your Aussiedoodle will learn to communicate their needs more effectively, indicating when they need to go out. This might involve behaviors like barking, pacing, or standing by the door. Pay attention to these cues as they demonstrate your dog’s progress.
Most importantly, NEVER scold your puppy if they do have an accident. It can harm the bond between you and puppy and make potty training take longer than it needs to. We’re all about positive reinforcement! 🙂
Step 5: Signs of Success
A fully potty-trained Aussiedoodle usually emerges between three to four months of age. Signs of successful training include your dog indicating their need to go outside through behaviors like whining, barking, or waiting by the door. As you observe these signals, you’ll gain confidence in your Aussiedoodle’s ability to communicate their bathroom needs effectively.
Reaching the finish line of potty training is like achieving a milestone in your pup’s development. Around the three to four-month agge mark, you’ll likely notice a quite a bit of progress in your Aussiedoodle’s behavior and habits. This is a sign that they’ve grasped the concept of potty training and are now able to communicate their needs when they have to go.
Your Aussiedoodle has essentially graduated from the initial stages of training. Yay! Just as a child learns to express themselves and ask for things they need, your Aussiedoodle has learned to let you know when nature calls. This is an awesome achievement for both you and your pup. It means you’ve developed a bond with them and they’ve learned the ability to understand and adapt to your expectations.
If you’re wondering what sings you should be looking for that your Aussiedoodle needs to go, look for persistent whining or barking especially if it’s near the door you take them out. This behavior shows that they’ve linked the act of needing to potty with the action of heading to the designated outdoor area.
They’ve not only understood the potty training concept but they’re also taking the initiative to communicate it to you. When they’ve gotten to this point, it’s clear that they’ve become aware of the needs of their body and that they should head outdoors to do their business.
These signs are also proof that your consistent efforts as your pet’s owner have paid off. Your Aussiedoole is well on their way to being a fully house-trained member of the family. Being aware of these behaviors we just described is like witnessing your dog “talking” to you in their own way. It’s an exciting step in your bond and communication with your furry companion.
As you gain confidence in recognizing these signals, you’ll also grow more aware of your Aussiedoodle’s needs. We think of it as a heartwarming journey of understanding and connection (although the late nights during the first week are rough!). Remember that every dog learns and progresses at their own pace, so don’t be disheartened if your pup takes a little longer or gets the hang of it. What matters most is that you’re building trust and understanding between you and your four-legged friend throughout the process.
The Path to Success
Potty training an Aussiedoodle requires dedication, patience, consistency and a strong routine. By combining the intelligence of the Poodle and the instincts of the Australian Shepherd, you have a breed that responds well to training. Remember that the first few weeks might be challenging, especially in the sleep department, but consistency will pay off in the long run.
In conclusion, potty training your Aussiedoodle is an investment that will strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. As you go through the training process, stay positive, celebrate small victories, and cherish the growth you witness in your pup. Your efforts will result in a well-trained Aussiedoodle that brings joy and companionship to your life and family for years to come! Happy training!
