How to House Train Poodles

Poodles are known for their intelligence, amazing trainability and eagerness to please their owners. Compared to other breeds, poodles may learn house training more quickly, but don't forget that training them or any dog for that matter requires patience, consistency and willingness. Poodles are also highly sensitive to their owner's moods and emotions, so being happy to teach your poodle is crucial to the success of its training.

Things You'll Need

  • Pee pads or newspaper
  • Indoor dog potty
  • Crate or playpen (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      House training is about getting your poodle to recognize and become accustomed to its place in your home, especially where it can and cannot urinate and defecate. The spot you choose will eventually be where your dog will go potty for as long as it stays in your home, so pick a convenient soiling spot from the outset. This area can be in the corner of a room or a spot in your yard if you have one.

    • 2

      Place pee pads or newspaper on your chosen soiling spot. You may also opt for an indoor dog potty. Dogs don't like dirtying where they sleep so keep the sleeping and eating area separate from where they can eliminate.

    • 3

      Train your dog as early as possible. Since dogs adapt best to routines, take your poodle to its soiling spot at the same time each day, ideally after waking up, playing, eating and right before going to bed. Having a schedule will allow you to better observe your dog's bathrooms habits and minimize accidents. Also, to be consistent, explain how your pet is being trained and what your routine is to the other members of your household.

    • 4

      Use a key word or phrase for when your poodle needs to eliminate. Whether its "out", "go potty" or something else, use the same words consistently so that you don't confuse your dog.

    • 5

      Use positive reinforcement when training your poodle. Reward with praise or a treat. If you catch your poodle eliminating in a different spot, pick it up and bring it to its soiling spot. You may scold your dog when you catch it making a mistake but never hit your dog or rub its nose in its mess. If you weren't present when your dog eliminated on the wrong spot, don't scold it because it won't know why you're doing so and will just get confused.