Potty Training A Cavapoo: A Guide to Success

Uncategorized January 5, 2025

Potty training a cavapoo is a significant milestone for any new puppy owner, but it’s especially crucial when working with toy breeds like Cavapoos and Maltipoos. Their small size and delicate nature can make the process feel challenging, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, your tiny companion will be potty trained in no time. In this post, we’ll cover toy breed-specific potty training tips, explain the techniques we use at StoryTail Dogs to set our puppies up for success, and troubleshoot common potty training hurdles.

You can see our available Cavapoo puppies and Maltipoo puppies here https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available

Why Potty Training a Cavapoo Is Unique

Toy breeds like Maltipoos and Cavapoos have unique characteristics that can make potty training a bit more challenging but entirely manageable with the right approach.

1. Frequent Bathroom Needs
   Toy breeds have small bladders and fast metabolisms, meaning they need to relieve themselves more often than larger breeds. While a larger dog might hold their bladder for several hours, toy breeds often need breaks every 1–2 hours, especially as puppies. This frequent need requires a consistent schedule to help your puppy succeed.
2. Tiny Accidents, Big Challenges
   Due to their small size, accidents may be easy to miss or dismiss. A tiny puddle on the floor might not seem significant, but if left unaddressed, it can create lingering odors and reinforce bad habits. This makes close supervision and prompt clean-up essential during the training process.
3. Sensitivity to Environment
   Toy breeds are often more sensitive to their surroundings, including temperature and weather conditions. Cold, rain, or loud noises outside can discourage them from going outdoors, resulting in more accidents indoors. Planning for these sensitivities—such as using potty pads, creating a sheltered outdoor area, or providing weather-appropriate clothing—can make a big difference.
4. Size and Accessibility
   Their small stature means toy breeds can easily get lost in a big house or find hidden corners to relieve themselves. Managing their environment by limiting access to larger areas and using gates or pens can help them understand where they are supposed to go until they become accustomed to their new home.
5. Training Success Requires Consistency and Patience
   Toy breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please, thriving with positive reinforcement and consistency. Treats, praise, and a routine tailored to their specific needs will build trust and establish good habits. However, it’s important to be patient—progress may take a little longer due to their smaller physical capacity and the extra care they require.

With this in mind, a tailored approach will help you navigate potty training while nurturing a strong bond with your toy breed puppy. By focusing on their unique needs, you can create a clean, happy home and set your puppy up for success.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Potty Training a Cavapoo

Potty training is a process, not an overnight accomplishment. Here’s what to expect with toy breeds: 

-Frequent Breaks: Puppies under six months will need potty breaks every 1–2 hours during the day. 

-Accidents Happen: Even with the best efforts, accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Stay patient and consistent. 

-Progress Takes Time: It can take 4–6 months for a toy breed puppy to become fully potty trained, and some may take longer.

How StoryTail Dogs Prepares Puppies for Potty Training Success

At StoryTail Dogs, we set our puppies up for success by implementing foundational potty training habits before they join their new families. Our approach includes:

1. Early Routine Building:
   Starting as early as four weeks, we establish a consistent routine of feeding, playtime, and potty breaks. Puppies thrive on structure, and this consistency helps them learn when and where to go.
2. Designated Potty Areas:
   Puppies are introduced to designated potty spaces, both indoors and outdoors. For indoor options, we use potty trays strategically placed in a confined area. Outdoors, we introduce them to a specific spot in the yard to help establish a clear association with potty time.
3. Positive Reinforcement:
   Every successful potty break is celebrated with gentle praise and encouraging words. Positive reinforcement helps puppies associate going in the right spot with a pleasant experience.
4. Crate Training:
   Crates are invaluable tools for potty training toy breeds. We use appropriately sized crates to create a comfortable den for puppies, encouraging them to hold their bladder and bowel movements until taken outside or to their designated spot.
5. Overnight Preparation:
   During overnight hours, we limit access to food and water an hour before bedtime and provide potty breaks just before crate time. This helps set expectations for nighttime routines.

How to Potty Train My Cavapoo

Cavapoos are one of the best dog breeds for apartments due to their affectionate nature and adaptability, but potty training is an essential step to ensure a harmonious living environment. Here’s how to approach it:

• Establish a Schedule: Take your Cavapoo outside at consistent times, such as after meals, naps, and play sessions.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward successful outdoor potty trips with treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
• Monitor Closely: Watch for signs your puppy needs to go, like circling or sniffing, and take them out immediately.
• Limit Freedom Indoors: Use gates or pens to confine your Cavapoo to a small area until they reliably understand where to go.
• Stay Patient: Remember, Cavapoos are highly intelligent but may still need time to adjust to a routine.

How to Potty Train My Maltipoo

Maltipoos are known for their sweet and playful nature, but their petite size makes potty training an important priority. Follow these steps for success:

• Introduce Potty Pads: Use potty pads initially to help your Maltipoo learn where to go, especially during bad weather.
• Leash Training Outdoors: Keep your puppy on a leash during outdoor potty trips to guide them to the correct spot.
• Create a Potty Zone: Choose a consistent spot for outdoor potty breaks and stick to it.
• Praise Every Success: Maltipoos respond well to positive reinforcement, so celebrate their efforts with treats and affection.
• Be Consistent: Stick to a routine that aligns with their small bladder capacity, offering breaks every 1–2 hours during the day.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

1. Frequent Accidents Indoors 

-Possible Cause: Inconsistent schedule or too much freedom too soon. 

-Solution: Reinforce the routine and supervise your puppy closely. Puppies thrive on structure, so set a consistent schedule for meals, potty breaks, and playtime. If accidents persist, confine them to a smaller, easily cleaned space, such as a puppy pen, until they develop more reliable habits. 

2. Going Potty on the Pad but Also on the Floor 

-Possible Cause: Confusion about boundaries. 

-Solution: Puppies may not understand the exact purpose of potty pads at first. Gradually reduce the number of pads, leaving only one in a specific location, and reward your puppy for using the correct spot. If they miss the pad, clean the area thoroughly to remove any lingering scent that could attract them to that spot again. 

3. Refusing to Go Outside in Bad Weather 

-Possible Cause: Toy breeds can be sensitive to cold, rain, or extreme heat. 

-Solution: Create a covered potty area near your home or train your puppy to use a designated indoor spot during inclement weather. Dressing your puppy in a warm, waterproof coat and using booties can make outdoor potty trips more comfortable. Keep trips short and rewarding by offering treats immediately after they go outside. 

4. Regression After Progress 

-Possible Cause: Changes in routine, environment, or stress can lead to setbacks. 

-Solution: It’s normal for puppies to regress during transitions, especially during their first few days in a new home. They need time to adjust to the new space and establish a fresh routine. During this period, increase the frequency of potty breaks and monitor them closely. Be patient and use positive reinforcement to rebuild confidence. If regression continues, evaluate whether stressors like a loud environment or changes in schedule may be affecting your puppy. 

5. Puppy Doesn’t Alert You When They Need to Go 

-Possible Cause: Lack of communication training or unclear expectations. 

-Solution: Teach your puppy to signal when they need to go by using a consistent method, such as ringing a bell hung by the door or scratching a designated surface. Encourage this behavior by guiding your puppy to the signal and rewarding them immediately before taking them outside. Over time, they’ll associate the signal with potty breaks. 

6. Marking Behavior Indoors 

-Possible Cause: Territorial instincts, especially in unneutered males or households with multiple pets. 

-Solution: Clean marked areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. Supervise closely and redirect your puppy when you catch them in the act. Consistent training and, if appropriate, neutering can reduce marking behavior. 

7. Puppy Doesn’t Finish Pottying 

-Possible Cause: Distractions during outdoor potty breaks. 

-Solution: Choose a quiet spot for potty time, away from other pets or people. Use a leash to limit their movement, and give them plenty of time to sniff and relax. If your puppy only partially goes, keep them on a leash indoors to prevent accidents and try again after a few minutes. 

Conclusion

Potty training a toy breed puppy like a Cavapoo or Maltipoo requires dedication, understanding, and consistency, but the rewards are well worth the effort. At StoryTail Dogs, we prepare our healthy Cavapoo puppies and healthy Maltipoo puppies with foundational potty training habits, ensuring a smooth transition into their new homes.

If you’re looking to adopt a Cavapoo or Maltipoo from a trusted Cavapoo breeder in Pennsylvania or Maltipoo breeder in Pennsylvania, contact StoryTail Dogs today. We’re proud to be a Cavapoo breeder near you and a Maltipoo breeder near you, providing families with well-prepared, loving companions.

1. AKC- “Expert Tips for Potty Training Your Puppy”-                                                                                   https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/potty-training-puppy-tips/
2. Chicago Urban Pets- “House Breaking Small Breed Dogs: Expert Tips for new pet parents”-     https://chicagourbanpets.com/house-breaking-small-breed-dogs-10-tips-for-new-pet-parents/
3. The Humane Society of the United States- “How to potty train your puppy or dog”-         https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-potty-train-your-dog-or-puppy
4. Animal Humane Society- “Potty pad training your dog”- https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/potty-pad-training-your-dog