Toy Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They have been ranked second on the American Kennel Club’s list of top dog breeds for 22 consecutive years.
As a result, many people own Toy Poodles and want to know how to potty train them! In this blog post, we will take a look at some tips and tricks that may help you with your toy poodle training endeavors.
1. Start by putting the toy poodle on a strict potty schedule:
A schedule is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to training your toy poodle. You want to go for at least 4 training sessions per day, with each session lasting about 15-20 minutes.
Give your toy poodle some time in between each session to rest and eat, but make sure that he will be able to hold his bladder during all 4 training sessions. On average, a toy poodle can hold its bladder for up to one hour depending on its age and health condition.
However, you have to be prepared for accidents at any time while your dog is still young and learning.
2. Toy Poodle Litter Box Training:
The easiest way to teach your toy poodle where to potty is by using a litter box in the beginning. Most toy poodles are not familiar with any other potty training options when they’re born, so this method does work well if you don’t have too much time on your hands for training or you want to avoid unwanted accidents.
You can teach your toy poodle to use the litter box by taking him to the same spot in your garden or backyard every time before you let him out. Praise your toy poodle when he uses the right place and tell him “no” if he makes a mistake.
3. Use a bell system for toy poodle potty training:
Toy poodles are very smart and will quickly learn to ring a bell when they want to go outside. You can put a bell on your door so that your toy poodle knows where to go when he wants to get out of the house.
You can buy an actual dog doorbell that attaches to your front door for this purpose. Once your toy poodle learns how to ring the bell, he will most likely start doing it on his own when he needs to go outside and potty.
4. Use the “take it” command for toy poodle toilet training:
The take-it command is designed to get your dog’s attention and make him associate something with the act of eliminating. Start by taking your toy poodle to the same spot in the garden every time before you allow him to potty.
Each time, take one of his toys or a treat and present it to your dog when he finishes his business. Slowly, over the course of several weeks, increase the distance between yourself and your toy poodle.
This will teach him that when you have a treat or a toy and go to the same spot, he is expected to eliminate it.
5. Use the “go potty” command:
The go-potty command can be used at any time while your dog is still learning how to potty on command.
Give your dog the “go potty” command when you take him outside and then walk around for a few minutes with your dog. When he finally decides to eliminate, praise him loudly so that he associates the command with the appropriate action.
Toy poodle training isn’t difficult or time-consuming if you put in enough effort and patience. By establishing a strict schedule, using a bell system, and gradually training your toy poodle to understand the go-potty command, you can effectively teach your dog where to potty.
6. Give your dog plenty of praise and treats for going outside to go potty:
When your toy poodle finally makes the right decision, remember to reward him with praise and tasty treats. Make sure you are praising your dog every time he eliminates in the correct spot so that he associates this behavior with receiving attention.
A lot of people make mistakes by treating their dogs only when they potty inside or by being too strict about getting rid of a dog’s bad behavior. Reward your toy poodle regardless and he will learn to make the right decision on his own instead of waiting for punishments.
7. Always take your dog out for a walk after eating or drinking:
Once your toy poodle has learned where to go potty, you should still take him out for a walk after he has either eaten or drank water. This helps your dog eliminate a little more and can speed up the process.
8. Use a crate for toy poodle potty training:
Some toy poodles will do better if they have their own space to go potty in, even before you teach them where exactly that spot should be. A crate is a good way to quickly teach your dog that this is his potty space.
After you have accumulated enough positive experience going outside with your puppy, try giving him a small treat before you let him out of the crate and take him to the same spot in your garden or backyard. Most toy poodles will quickly learn where to go potty and will stop making mistakes.
9. Stay consistent:
Toy Poodle Potty Training won’t be successful if you aren’t consistent and patient with the training process. If your dog does make a mistake, don’t yell at him – simply show him where he should eliminate by taking him outside and giving the “go potty” command.
If your dog makes a mistake in the house, immediately take him outside and show him where he should eliminate.
10. Clean up accidents as soon as possible:
Toy poodles are clean animals and will do their best to avoid going potty in the same spot twice. However, they can make mistakes, especially if they can’t hold it in for too long or you have spent the day away from home.
If your dog does make a mistake, immediately clean up the area with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any traces of odor that might encourage your dog to go again in this spot.
Conclusion:
Toy poodles are naturally clean and will not soil their living space. For this reason, they can be litter box trained relatively easily with a few strategies to help them learn where to go potty outside the house.
It is important to start by putting your toy poodle on a strict potty schedule so that she knows when it’s time for her bathroom break. Then the next step would be teaching your dog how to use the toilet using one of three methods: bell system, “take it” command or “go potty” command.
Our experts at Dog Training and Behavior have compiled tips from professional trainers in order for you to successfully teach your pup all about going outside instead of inside!