How to Train a Cockapoo to Pee Outside: Simple Steps

One of the greatest challenges you’ll experience during pet parenting is teaching your adorable little pup to go do their business outside and not on your expensive carpet. It may be frustrating, having a little pup piss all around the house, but it’s akin to being angry at a human baby for being in your arms; the little things just don’t know any better.

So, today, we’ll tell you about how you can train your Cockapoo to pee outside. Full disclaimer, it is going to require a lot of patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency, so be prepared.

Understanding Their Needs

Empathy goes a long way in training a pup. Pups are tiny, with tiny bladders, and they often have to go to the bathroom quite often. They can’t really hold their bladder for more than one hour per month of age. So, if your Cockapoo is three months old, they need to release themselves every three hours. Yes, even at night. Pet parenting is real parenting, after all.

It is best to establish some discipline right from the get-go and stick to a business. Take them outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After meals

• After playtime

• Before bed

The more consistent you are, the faster they’ll learn.

Pick a Designated Spot

We got our toilets, they got their spots. Jokes aside, dogs rely heavily on scent, so bringing your pup to the same spot each time will help reinforce the idea in their doggy minds that “this is where I do my business.” The smell of previous business meetings will act like a signal and inform them that “Hey, this is my place of business.”

It’s best to choose a spot away from distractions. Dogs are the most vulnerable when they’re busy relieving themselves, so a place where they feel calm and at peace would result in them doing their thing a lot faster.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Cockapoos are people pleasers, and they love to make their owners happy. So, when they do do (no pun intended) their thing outside the home and not on your rug, let them know they did a great job. Literally. A “Good job, buddy” goes a long way! Small treats, lots of praise, and a happy voice. Also, make sure you reward them immediately after they finish. This part is necessary. If you wait until you get back inside, they might not be able to make the connection. The action-leads-to-reward dynamic must be taught to the pup.

Watch for Signs

Your pup isn’t purposefully peeing on the floor, it’s usually their last resort when they’ve exhausted all other options. We assume they’ll bark or whine when they need to go out, but sometimes they tend to drop subtle hints like sniffing the ground, circling, and suddenly walking away from play. If you spot any of these behaviors, it’s time to rush out ASAP.

Supervise Indoors

Yes, we understand it isn’t viable to keep an eye out on your Cockapoo all day, every day. So, you might want to consider using a crate instead. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, so a crate can help teach bladder control to a great extent.

However, that is not a hard and fast rule. If you leave them alone at home for too long or inside the crate, they absolutely will go if they have to. However, if your dog consistently pees in the crate, there are ways to stop it, thankfully.

Handle Accidents the Right Way

Accidents are bound to happen, and it is completely fine. To punish your pup for it is pointless, unnecessary, and not recommended. It won’t teach them anything but to fear you and be anxious around you. Instead, clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering smell and watch the pup.

Remember, dogs associate with smell. So, if the Cockapoo smells urine in the house, they’ll think that’s their new bathroom, and nobody wants that. If you catch them red-handed, mid-act, calmly interrupt them with a firm “No” and take them outside. If they finish peeing outside instead, reward them.

Conclusion

Undeniably, Cockapoos are smart dogs and easy to train, but every dog is different. Some pick up potty training quickly, whilst others take a bit longer. Stay consistent and stay positive, and your dog will get the hang of it eventually. On average, expect potty training to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The key is to keep up the routine and celebrate small wins along the way.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Fully Potty Train a Cockapoo?

Most Cockapoos get the hang of it in about 4-6 months, but some may take longer. It depends on consistency and individual temperament.

Should I Use Pee Pads?

Pee pads can be useful if you live in an apartment, but they can also confuse your dog. If you want them to go outside exclusively, it's best to skip the pads.

What If My Cockapoo Keeps Having Accidents?

Go back to basics: take them out more often, supervise closely, and reward successful potty breaks. If accidents persist, check with a vet to rule out medical issues.

Related Articles

If you want to learn more about training your Cockapoo, check out the articles below for helpful tips and advice;

• Cockapoo Training Tips for First-Time Owners

• Are Cockapoos Easy to Train?

• Do Cockapoos Like Swimming? Traits, Tips & Training

• How to Potty Train a Cockapoo Puppy: Quick & Effective Methods