So you brought home a Bernedoodle puppy—congratulations! You’ve officially welcomed home 50% Swiss charm, 50% Poodle smarts, and 100% walking, wiggling heart-melter. But let’s be real: those little paws? They’re not potty-trained yet. And your rug? It’s nervous.
Fear not, fellow dog lover. At Love Berners, we’ve guided more fluffy Bernedoodle butts through potty training than we can count, and we’ve got the muddy socks to prove it. Whether you’ve got a standard-sized goofball or a mini-sized cuddlebug, this guide is your complete, no-fuss, occasionally funny roadmap to potty train a Bernedoodle.
Step 1: Understand Your Puppy’s Schedule (AKA: When Nature Calls)
Bernedoodle puppies are cute, but they’re basically tiny digestive systems on legs. They eat, they play, they poop. On repeat. So here’s a rough idea of when you should take them out:
- First thing in the morning (yes, before coffee—we’re sorry)
- After eating or drinking
- After playing or chewing
- After waking up from naps
- Before bed
- Every 30–60 minutes during the day when young
Rule of thumb? However many months old they are = max hours they might hold it (e.g., 3 months old = 3 hours). But don’t push it. They’re still figuring out how their butt works.
Step 2: Pick Your Potty Spot & Be Consistent
Pick one designated bathroom zone—backyard, front yard, a patch of grass down the street, even a puppy pad (if absolutely necessary). Always take your pup to the same spot. Why?
Because puppies are weird little scent-driven creatures. When they smell their past triumphs, they go, “Ah yes, the pee throne. My kingdom.”
Use the same cue word each time, like:
- “Go potty”
- “Do your business”
- “Let it flow, tiny buddy”
(Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.)
Step 3: Crate Training = Your Secret Weapon
Crates are not puppy jail. They’re safe, cozy dens—like a studio apartment with invisible walls. Dogs instinctively avoid pottying where they sleep, which makes the crate a potty-training superhero.
Here’s how to do it right:
- The crate should be big enough to stand, turn, and lie down—but not big enough to throw a bathroom party.
- Take them out right before and after crating.
- Never use the crate as punishment.
- Bonus: It helps reduce separation anxiety and chewed shoes.
Crate + routine = fewer accidents and more sanity for you.
Step 4: Set a Schedule (and Stick to It Like Glue)
Dogs love routine. Seriously, they’d schedule your entire life for you if they had thumbs.
Sample morning routine:
- Wake up.
- Immediate potty trip outside.
- Breakfast.
- Wait 10–15 mins, then potty again.
- Crate or supervised play.
- Repeat in cycles.
Stick to a schedule and your Bernedoodle will catch on quicker than you think. Remember: consistency builds confidence.
Step 5: Accidents Happen—Don’t Freak Out
Here’s the deal: your puppy is going to pee somewhere dumb at least once. Probably on your favorite rug. Probably while you’re bragging about how smart they are. It’s okay.
Here’s what to do (and not do):
DO:
- Clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner so the scent doesn’t stick.
- Interrupt mid-potty (clap once or say “Oops!”), then immediately take them to their potty spot.
- Praise if they finish outside!
DON’T:
- Rub their nose in it (it’s gross, outdated, and ineffective).
- Yell. Puppies don’t connect past accidents to punishment.
- Despair. They will get it. You are not raising a chaos gremlin. Promise.
Step 6: Throw a Potty Party Every Time They Get It Right
Bernedoodles are praise junkies. A successful potty trip deserves a full-on celebration:
- “YES! GOOD POTTY!! WHO’S A GENIUS?!” (Say it like you just won the lottery.)
- Treats right after they go (within 3 seconds for best impact).
- Bonus belly rubs and happy dances.
This positive reinforcement tells your puppy: “Wow, peeing outside is basically the greatest achievement ever.” And guess what—they’ll want to do it again.
Step 7: Watch for The Signs
Your puppy may not tap you on the shoulder and politely request to use the bathroom, but they do give signals. Watch for:
- Sniffing and circling
- Whining or pacing
- Heading to the door (especially if they’ve learned to associate it with potty time)
- Random sudden silence (always suspicious)
When in doubt—take them out!
Step 8: Troubleshooting Common Potty Training Problems
Peeing in the crate?
Check if it’s too big, or if you’re waiting too long between breaks. Also rule out a UTI with your vet if it keeps happening.
Puppy pees right after coming inside?
You might be rushing the outdoor trips. Give them time to sniff and relax. Some pups get “potty performance anxiety.”
Regression after doing well?
It’s normal. Just tighten up the routine again and be patient—it’s a phase, not a failure.
Tiny dribbles when excited?
That’s excitement urination, especially common in young Bernedoodles. Don’t scold—just stay calm during greetings and they’ll outgrow it.
Personalized Tips from the Love Berners Family
“Double Potty” Trick: After your pup goes #1, walk around a little and wait—many puppies need a second squat for #2. Don’t rush back in!
Pee Log Journal: It sounds silly, but tracking potty times can help you spot patterns and prevent mistakes. It’s like puppy detective work.
The “Potty Dance” Game: Teach your kids or partner to recognize the signs and play “spot the squat” like a game. It gets the whole family involved.
Weather Woes? Mini Bernedoodles especially can be divas about rain. Use a covered spot or patio, or get a cute puppy raincoat. Seriously—it helps.
FAQ: Potty Training Your Bernedoodle Puppy
How long does potty training take?
Most Bernedoodle pups get the hang of it in 2–4 weeks of consistent training. Full reliability (including at night) may take a few months.
Should I use puppy pads?
Only if absolutely necessary. They can confuse your puppy about where it’s okay to go. If you must, transition them to outdoor potty as early as possible.
What if I work full time?
Hire a dog walker, ask a neighbor for help, or consider puppy daycare. Young puppies can’t hold it for 8+ hours, and accidents will undo training.
Can older Bernedoodles be potty trained?
Yes! It just takes more time and patience. Use the same principles: schedule, praise, consistency, and love.
My pup barks instead of ringing the bell—help?
Bell training is an awesome tool! Start by ringing the bell yourself every time you go out. Reward them when they sniff or paw it. Soon they’ll be ringing it like a hotel guest with a room service craving.
Final Thoughts
Potty training your Bernedoodle is a journey—a little messy, a lot adorable, and totally worth it. With patience, consistency, and lots of belly rubs, your puppy will go from “Oops, I peed on the rug again” to “I’m a potty pro!”
At Love Berners, we’re always here cheering you on (with clean floors and happy tails). You’ve got this. Your Bernedoodle believes in you. And so do we. 🐶💛
Need help or want to share your potty training success story? Drop us a message or tag us on social—because every good poop story deserves applause.
