Bringing home a Cavapoo puppy is an exciting experience, but one of the first challenges you’ll face is toilet training. Cavapoos, a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, are intelligent and eager to please, which can make toilet training easier – but it still requires patience, consistency, and the right approach.
At Perfect Pooches, we are experienced breeders who have been providing Cavapoo puppies to our customers for many years, and while most of our pups leave us with some basic toilet training, every dog is different and some may be slower to grasp it than others. That’s why our team has put together this useful guide to help you toilet train your Cavapoo puppy effectively.
Consistency Is Key
One of the most important elements in toilet training your Cavapoo puppy is consistency. Puppies thrive on routine, and establishing a regular schedule for bathroom breaks will help them understand where and when they should go. Set up a daily schedule for feeding, playtime, and bathroom breaks to help your puppy create predictable habits.
For example, you should let your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and right before bed. Take your Cavapoo to the same spot in the garden each time, as the familiar smells will encourage them to go. Praise them immediately after they’ve done their business to reinforce the behaviour.
In the early stages of training, supervise your puppy closely to avoid accidents inside. If you catch them in the act indoors, gently interrupt them and quickly take them outside to finish. Be patient – accidents will happen, but with consistent effort, your Cavapoo will learn where to go. For more information on effective puppy training, contact our expert breeders at Perfect Pooches today!
Are Puppy Pads Effective?
Puppy pads can be an effective tool during the toilet training process, especially if you live in an apartment or don’t have easy access to a garden or private outdoor space. However, it’s important to use them strategically to avoid confusing your puppy.
If you decide to use puppy pads, place them in a designated area where your Cavapoo can easily access them. Over time, as your puppy gets the hang of going on the pad, you can gradually move it closer to the door, eventually transitioning them to go outside.
It’s worth noting that some puppies may become overly reliant on the pads, which can delay their understanding that outside is the preferred place to go. If you can, aim to transition from puppy pads to outdoor training as soon as your Cavapoo shows progress.
How Often Should I Let My Cavapoo Puppy Outside?
Young Cavapoo puppies have small bladders and limited control, so they’ll need frequent trips outside. As a general rule, puppies can hold their bladder for about one hour for every month of age. For example, a three-month-old puppy can hold it for around three hours, but it’s best not to push them to their limit.
In the beginning, aim to take your Cavapoo outside every one to two hours, especially during the day. This helps reduce the chance of accidents indoors and reinforces the idea that outside is the proper place to go. You should also take them out immediately after waking up, after meals, after naps, and after any intense playtime or exercise.
At night, your Cavapoo may be able to hold it for longer periods after the initial unsettled period after bringing them home, but you’ll still likely need to take them out once or twice until they’re a bit older.
When Can My Cavapoo Go For Regular Walks?
Regular walks are a great way to establish a bathroom routine and give your Cavapoo puppy the exercise and stimulation they need. However, you’ll need to wait until your puppy has had all their vaccinations before taking them for walks in public spaces, typically around twelve to sixteen weeks old. This ensures they’re protected against common diseases like parvovirus and distemper.
In the meantime, you can start training on a lead in your garden or other safe, enclosed areas. Once they’re fully vaccinated, you can incorporate walks into their bathroom routine, giving them the opportunity to go outside and explore the world while reinforcing toilet training.
Positive Reinforcement and Toilet Training
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools in toilet training your Cavapoo puppy. Whenever your puppy successfully goes to the bathroom outside or on the designated puppy pad, immediately reward them with praise, a treat, or affection. This helps your puppy make the connection between going to the bathroom in the right spot and receiving positive attention from you.
Timing is crucial. Make sure you reward your puppy immediately after they go, not when they come back inside, so they associate the reward with the desired behaviour. Over time, they will learn that going outside or using the pad results in positive outcomes, making them more likely to repeat the behaviour.
Avoid punishment for accidents indoors, as this can confuse or scare your puppy, making toilet training more difficult. Instead, stay patient and focus on rewarding the correct behaviour.
For Your Own Cavapoo Puppy, Choose Perfect Pooches!
At Perfect Pooches, we are reputable dog breeders licensed by both Wealden District Council and Rother District Council, and we take an ethical, responsible approach to breeding. For more information or to join our waiting list, get in touch now!