How to Potty Train a Maltipoo

ロレナアットウッド
Aug 4, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Overview

House training your Maltipoo can be one of the more challenging aspects of dog ownership, as it is for all breeds. However, it’s important to note that Maltipoos tend to be on the “easier” end of the training spectrum. With consistent adherence to the guidelines and a good dose of patience, you can achieve successful house training with minimal accidents and frustration.

It's essential to remember that puppies aren’t born knowing where to relieve themselves. While some breeders may introduce “pee pad” training prior to your puppy joining your family, this method is often not true training. Many breeders simply provide pee pads in a confined area, which can lead the puppy to use them out of necessity rather than understanding. Once you bring your Maltipoo home, it will be time to start the proper training process.

Understanding the Age Factor in Training Your Maltipoo

You can start training your Maltipoo puppy as soon as you bring them home, typically between 8 and 12 weeks of age. With consistent training, most puppies can achieve full house training in about 2 to 3 months.

It's essential for owners to set realistic expectations during this process. Regularly taking your Maltipoo outside and rewarding them for successful bathroom trips will greatly aid in their training.

Keep in mind that a puppy's ability to hold their bladder varies with age. For instance, a 3-month-old puppy can typically hold their urine for a maximum of 3 hours, while a 4-month-old can manage up to 4 hours. This continues to increase, and by the time your Maltipoo reaches 8 to 9 months old, they should be able to hold it for about 8 hours. It's important to note that no dog should be expected to hold their needs for longer than this.

Additionally, puppies often have bowel movements approximately 20 minutes after eating, so keeping this in mind can help you anticipate their needs.

By understanding these age-related factors, you can ensure a smoother training experience for both you and your Maltipoo!

Guidelines for Taking Your Maltipoo Outside

To ensure your Maltipoo stays comfortable and happy, it’s important to establish a routine for bathroom breaks. Here are some friendly recommendations for when to take your pup outside or guide them to their pee pads (though outdoor training is often more straightforward):

1. **After Confinement**: Take your dog outside immediately after any time spent in a confined space, such as a playpen or gated area.

2. **First Thing in the Morning**: As soon as your puppy wakes up, it’s essential to take them out for bathroom time. Remember, their little bladders won’t wait while you get ready!

3. **Before Bedtime**: Aim for a bathroom break about 20 minutes before you settle down for the night.

4. **After Meals**: Allow 15-20 minutes after your Maltipoo eats to take them outside for a bowel movement.

5. **Age-Based Frequency**: As a general guideline, take your 2-month-old puppy out every 2 hours, and every 3 hours for a 3-month-old, gradually increasing the time as they grow.

6. **Watch for Cues**: Pay attention to your pup’s behavior. Signs such as circling, skittishness, or barking often indicate that they need to go. After a few weeks together, you’ll become adept at reading their cues.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help your Maltipoo develop good habits and ensure they are well cared for. Happy potty training!

Housebreaking Tips for Your Maltipoo

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to having a well-trained dog:

1) Designate a Bathroom Area: ** Select a specific spot for your Maltipoo to use as their bathroom. This area should be conveniently located near your home but not designated for any other purpose. Consider accessibility throughout the year, especially if you live in regions that experience significant snowfall during winter.

2) Let Your Puppy Explore: ** Once you've chosen the designated area, stand in the center and allow your puppy to sniff around and find their preferred spot. This is one of the reasons outdoor potty trainings is often easier dogs appreciate having a say in their bathroom choices.

3) Supervise Closely: ** When you or other household members are home, it’s essential not to let your puppy roam freely. Staying nearby will help you effectively house train them. You might consider the umbilical cord method, which involves attaching one end of your puppy's leash to your belt (just be mindful of your walking speed and surroundings). Alternatively, you can keep your puppy in a gated area when you can't closely supervise them. Remember, young puppies can have accidents in an instant!

4) When you take your puppy outside, be sure to note the time and allow for approximately 10 minutes. Many puppies have developing bladders, and it’s common for them to spend the first few minutes sniffing and exploring their surroundings before they feel relaxed enough to relieve themselves. While 10 minutes may feel lengthy, especially if you’re in a rush or feeling uncomfortable, it’s essential to give your puppy the time they need to learn. Make sure to dress for the weather, bring your phone, and remember that, while you may have tasks to attend to, your puppy needs this time to understand the rules.

5) Always take your puppy to the designated bathroom spot before going on walks. Assuming that your dog will relieve themselves during the walk can lead to missed training opportunities. Establishing a consistent routine by visiting this spot both before and after your walks will help reinforce where it’s appropriate for them to go.

6) It’s important to reward your Maltipoo whenever they successfully pee or poo in the correct area. This can be done through praise, gentle pats, or treats. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behavior!

7) If your puppy wakes you up at night barking, only take them outside if you genuinely believe they need to go to the bathroom. In most cases, they may simply be seeking attention. If you do think they need to relieve themselves, keep the lights dim and speak minimally. This will help communicate to your puppy that nighttime outings are serious moments and while waking up is acceptable, it doesn’t involve play or extra attention.

8) If you need to be away during the day, consider using a small, gated area or an indoor canine playpen for your puppy. This setup will provide him with enough space to play, sleep, and eat while also containing any potential messes. You may place pee pads in this area, but keep in mind that it's common for puppies to miss the mark occasionally. Introducing two house training methods can be confusing for a puppy, but rest assured that in a few months, he will be better able to hold his needs while you're away.

9) For any accidents, it's important to use a quality enzyme cleaner for effective cleanup. Household cleaners, such as dish soap, may not fully eliminate trace amounts of urine and other residues that can retain odors. Failing to clean thoroughly can encourage your puppy to use the same spot for bathroom needs again.

10) As your Maltipoo puppy grows each month, you’ll notice that his bladder muscles and bowel control will strengthen. This means he will be able to hold his needs for longer periods. To support this development, gradually increase the time between outdoor potty breaks.

11) It’s essential not to scold your puppy for housebreaking accidents. Puppies do not intentionally eliminate inappropriately; going potty is simply a natural bodily function.

If you encounter challenges during this process, take a moment to reassess your training approach. Ensure that you are effectively communicating to your puppy that using the designated potty area results in positive outcomes, while going elsewhere does not receive any attention.

Understanding Excitement Urination in Maltipoos

It's not uncommon for some Maltipoos to experience excitement urination when they are happy or startled. This behavior is typical among young puppies, as they often have developing bladders. Strong emotions—whether joy, stress, or surprise—can lead to a little accident.

Rest assured; this phase is usually temporary. In the meantime, here are a few helpful tips to manage the situation:

1. **Playtime Outdoors**: Engaging with your puppy outside can help reduce the likelihood of excitement urination.

2. **Pre-Play Bathroom Break**: Before you start playtime, take your Maltipoo to their designated bathroom area. This can help them relieve themselves beforehand.

3. **Gentle Handling**: When interacting with a puppy that tends to urinate when excited, avoid picking them up directly. Instead, try kneeling beside your puppy, giving them a gentle pat, and then carefully rolling them onto your lap. This approach minimizes the sudden excitement that can lead to accidents.

With a little patience and these strategies, your Maltipoo will grow out of this phase in no time!