Toilet training your Cavoodle is one of the first and most important lessons in their new home. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly learn the right place to go.
Think of a cue word you would like to use for the toilet like “go potty” or “go wee wee” and use this everytime you go to the spot for toileting. It’s also recommended to limit food and water after 5pm.
We strongly believe in the value of crate training and reducing access to your entire house while your puppy is not fully toilet trained. We will post another blog highlighting the benefits of crate training and how it helps your puppy to become toilet trained faster and easier.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get started, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to set your puppy up for success!
How to Start Toilet Training Your Cavoodle
The Do’s: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success
Take your puppy outside regularly, especially after:
- Waking up
- Drinking water
- Eating
- Playing
- Training
Use a leash to guide your puppy to their designated toilet spot.
Avoid playing or interacting with your puppy during toilet breaks—keep it boring so they stay focused.
Calmly praise and reward your puppy with a yummy treat immediately after they finish their business.
Use an enzymatic pet cleaner to remove any urine odors from accidents.
If you catch your puppy weeing indoors, gently pick them up and take them outside to finish.
Supervise, supervise, supervise! If you’re not using a crate or playpen, keep a close eye on your puppy at all times.
Pro Tip: Puppies thrive on routine! Try to take them out at the same spot and same times every day to reinforce good habits.
The Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t carry your puppy to their toilet spot—they need to learn how to walk there on their own.
Don’t give your puppy free access to the entire house too soon—start with a small, controlled area.
Don’t praise too late—reward your puppy immediately after they finish, not while they are walking away.
Don’t get too excited with praise—over-the-top reactions might startle them.
Don’t use regular household cleaners—use pet-specific products to fully remove urine smells and prevent repeat accidents.
Don’t punish accidents—yelling or scolding will only make your puppy afraid to toilet in front of you.
Remember: Toilet training is a learning process, and accidents will happen. Stay patient and consistent! Don’t use pee pads if you want outdoor training – Pads can confuse your puppy and make it harder to transition to outdoor potty training.
How Long Does Toilet Training Take?
Toilet training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your Cavoodle’s age, routine, and consistency in training. Most puppies are fully trained between 4–6 months old.
Final Thoughts
Toilet training may seem like a challenge at first, but by following these do’s and don’ts, your Cavoodle will develop good habits in no time. The key to success is routine, patience, and positive reinforcement—soon enough, your puppy will be accident-free and confidently toileting in the right spot!
Visit dreamycavoodles.com.au for more training tips and upcoming litters! 