How to Potty Train a Maltipoo: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks
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Training your Maltipoo puppy to use the potty can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to remember that this process takes time, patience, and consistency. As a breed, Maltipoos are known for their intelligence and loyalty—which makes them ideal candidates for potty training.
Potty training a Maltipoo can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and the owner. With consistent practice and guidance from their owners, Maltipoos can be successfully house-trained in as little as a few weeks. By understanding your companion’s individual needs, you can soon have a house-trained pet that brings joy and companionship to your home.
Here are 12 tips and tricks to make the process easier and more successful!
The 12 Tips & Tricks for Potty Training a Maltipoo
1. Start Early
Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks a pet parent will face. But with the right approach, potty training your Maltipoo can be much easier than you think! The best time to start potty training your Maltipoo is when they are between 8 and 12 weeks old. At this age, they are still young enough to learn quickly and easily adapt to the rules. Starting earlier rather than later gives you more time to establish a routine that works for both you and your pup.
By beginning potty training early on in their life, you will save yourself from having to potentially deal with bad habits further down the line. As Maltipoos are known for being quick learners, starting early will help them pick up good habits more quickly and ensure that toilet breaks become part of their everyday existence from an early age.
2. Set a Schedule
Having a Maltipoo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that these little dogs still require plenty of attention and care. One of the key steps in potty training your Maltipoo is establishing a consistent schedule. Setting a regular feeding, playtime, and bathroom break timetable for your furry friend will help them understand when they are expected to go outside and do their business. Creating a reliable system also helps you plan out the day and make sure your Maltipoo is getting enough attention.
By setting aside dedicated time each day for meals, walks, fun, and toilet breaks, you’ll be able to ensure that your puppy gets all of the stimulation they need while also teaching them the rules of the house—and housebreaking.
3. Use a Crate
Crate training is a popular method for potty training your Maltipoo. It provides an environment that keeps your puppy safe and secure while also teaching them to control their bladder and bowel movements. With the proper technique, you can ensure that your puppy is comfortable in the crate and able to hold it long enough to be successful in potty training.
A crate gives your Maltipoo their own private space where they can relax or take naps undisturbed. Using a crate can also help deter bad behaviors like destructive chewing, reducing the risk of accidents. When introducing your Maltipoo to their crate, check that they have plenty of items that will keep them entertained and comfortable, such as safe chew toys, beds, and treats. These items will help create a positive association with the crate. Remember that your dog should not spend more than 3 hours at the time in the crate.
4. Take Them Outside Often
If you’re the proud new owner of a Maltipoo, it’s essential to take your pup outside for frequent potty breaks throughout the day. Not only will this help with house training, but it can also be good for physical and mental well-being. With regular outdoor trips, your Maltipoo will have plenty of opportunities to explore their environment and stay active. Taking them out frequently is especially important when they’ve just eaten, drank water, been playing, or woken up from a nap or sleep, as this is when most accidents are likely to occur.
It’s best to stick to a schedule so your Maltipoo knows what to expect each day and can learn where they should go when nature calls. Also, keep in mind that puppies before 6 months old should be taken out at least as frequently as their age in months, plus one, in hours. So, a 2-month-old puppy cannot go more than 3 hours without going outside, a 3-month-old puppy more than 4 hours, and so on.
5. Reward Them for Going Outside
When it comes to housebreaking your Maltipoo, rewarding them for going potty outside is a crucial part of the process. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to encourage good behavior and can help establish positive habits in your pup. Establishing potty habits with rewards helps make sure that outdoor elimination is the desired behavior for your canine companion. When you catch your Maltipoo in the act of going potty outside, reward them with verbal praise or a small treat like a piece of kibble or a doggy biscuit. This will help put their mind at ease and make them feel good about themselves when they do something right.
The key here is consistency; be sure to give rewards every time they go potty outside, so they know this is the preferred behavior.
6. Supervise Them Indoors
One of the most important parts of potty training a Maltipoo is responding to accidents and regressions. Many owners may find themselves dealing with toileting mishaps within their homes, so it is essential to supervise your Maltipoo while they are indoors. Supervision not only helps you better understand your pet’s behaviors, but it will also keep them on track when it comes to learning how toilet training works.
It is best to watch your Maltipoo most closely during the early stages of potty training. This way, if you notice the behavioral signs and precursors indicating that they need to go or there will otherwise be a mess to clean up, you can intervene in time and take them outside for a bathroom break.
7. Clean Up Accidents Immediately
Accidents happen, especially with puppies. No matter how well-trained your pooch might be, it is vital that you clean up any accidents immediately to prevent your pup from coming back to the same spot. The best way to ensure that unpleasant aromas don’t linger in your home following an accident is to use an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners are formulated specifically for pet messes and break down organic material like urine and feces so no trace of odor remains behind. It works on hard surfaces, such as tile or wood floors, and furniture upholstery too.
Simply follow the directions on the bottle for the best results, and your home will remain smelling fresh and inviting, despite any accidental puppy surprises!
8. Don’t Scold Them for Accidents
Training your Maltipoo can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Potty training is an integral part of the process, and accidents are bound to happen along the way. When they do occur, it’s crucial you don’t scold or punish your pet: Doing so can have adverse effects on the overall relationship between you and your furry friend. Accidents during training should be generally viewed as a learning opportunity for both you and your Maltipoo.
Take the time to evaluate what went wrong, and make any necessary adjustments in order to better help them understand what’s expected of them in terms of potty training. Instead of scolding, try offering positive affirmation when they do get it right—this will give them the incentive to keep up their progress!
9. Be Patient
Patience and diligence are key when it comes to toilet training any pup, especially a Maltipoo. These dogs are sensitive and keen to please. It hurts the relationship if you lose your patience. While you may be tempted to get the process over as quickly as possible, it’s essential to recognize that potty training can take time. It requires patience and consistency from both parties involved in order for it to be successful. It might help if you observe what triggers your pooch to go potty so that you can anticipate their needs more quickly.
If you notice signs like sniffing around the house or circling, then quickly take them outside—this can prevent any accidents from happening in the first place.
10. Use a Leash
When you own a Maltipoo, taking them outside on walks can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, without the right tools and guidance, it can quickly become a nightmare. That’s why it’s important to use a leash when taking your Maltipoo outside to go potty. By using a leash, you’ll be able to keep your Maltipoo under control and prevent them from wandering off. Not only will this make things easier for you, but it will also keep your furry companion safe and out of harm’s way.
Using a leash also helps you establish better communication with your dog, as it enables you to give them gentle guidance toward their potty area when needed.
11. Use an Indoor Potty Pad
A potty pad can be a great way to help train your Maltipoo. With an indoor potty pad, you’ll give your pup a designated spot for going to the bathroom that’s easy for you both to manage. Potty pads are specially designed with materials that draw in liquid and odors, making cleanup convenient and quick. While not all dogs take well to this training method, if done correctly, it can offer you both an easier way of managing bathroom breaks for your dog. It’s best to select a quality pad that offers superior absorbency and odor control—look for one made from non-toxic materials that won’t irritate your pet’s skin or respiratory system.
Additionally, make sure it has a waterproof bottom layer, so moisture doesn’t seep through onto the flooring beneath it.
12. Seek Professional Help If Needed
Potty training a dog can be an extremely challenging task for even the most experienced pet owners. If you find yourself struggling with potty training your Maltipoo, it may be time to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer. Professional dog trainers have extensive knowledge of how to train dogs properly. They will be able to provide guidance and advice tailored specifically to the needs of your pet.
Professional trainers have experience working with all types of dogs and understand their behavior better than anyone else.
Conclusion
Without guidance, the process of potty training a Maltipoo can be a tedious and trying endeavor for many inexperienced pet owners. However, with perseverance, regularity, and the correct method, it is possible to successfully potty train your Maltipoo in a matter of weeks. By adhering to the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can guide your Maltipoo to understand their part, ultimately leading to more content, healthy, and obedient pet and a happier household overall.
Featured Image Credit: Irsan Ianushis, Shutterstock
