Toilet Training for a Poodle

Training Start

• Training starts immediately upon purchase or adoption of a poodle. Even a tiny eight-week-old puppy can quickly learn basic toilet training. They will be unable to hold their bladder throughout the night, but they will quickly get the general idea that they are supposed to go outside. Over the course of a few weeks of persistently taking the puppy outside on a regular schedule, the poodle will eventually learn that it is only acceptable to eliminate outside.

Praise

• The poodle thrives on praise from its owner. Every time the puppy eliminates outside, he will require ample verbal reinforcement. The poodle hangs on its owners every word, and quickly learns the variance in tones. Bestowing a tiny edible treat promptly also helps the poodle know that he has done a good thing.

Accidents

• All poodles will have one or two accidents inside the house when they are young and first learning to toilet train. Promptly clean the area using an odor neutralizer, which can be purchased at a pet store or veterinarian. If the urine stain is not properly deodorized, the puppy will be drawn to the area and will often repeat the offense. Once the accident has occurred it is no use scolding the puppy. Poodles do not respond well to being scolded, and they should never be hit.

Catching the Poodle

• On rare occasions, you may catch the poodle in the act of eliminating in the house. The dog will respond to the discouraged sound of your voice. A simple "no" is enough to discourage most poodles. Promptly scoop up the dog and deposit him outside, where it is acceptable to eliminate. If the puppy finishes the task outside, reward him with ample praise and a treat.

Schedule

• Maintain a toilet training schedule. Take the puppy outside first thing in the morning and after every meal. Always take the puppy out before bed. Young puppies often cannot hold their bladders during the night, so setting the alarm and taking the puppy outside will help reduce late night accidents. Throughout the day, watch the poodle closely for signs it might have to go. Take him outside if he goes to the door, appears restless or begins to sniff the floor.

Crate Training

• Choosing a small sized dog crate that fits the poodle will help make housebreaking easier. The poodle should be able to stand up in the crate and turn around, but should not have excessive room. If the poodle has excessive room, he will often eliminate in the back of the crate and then lie in the front. The poodle's innate desire to stay clean makes him hold his bladder instead of eliminating in the crate and soiling himself. Placing the puppy into a crate for short stretches when you cannot adequately watch him will teach him to eliminate only outside. He will need to be quickly taken out when released from the crate to eliminate.