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Even at only two weeks old, with newly-opened eyes and wobbly walking, the puppies don't like to piddle where they sleep. They've chosen a spot around the edge of the pool, which of course I'll clean momentarily.
This fundamental instinct is the start of effective potty training, though. As their world gets bigger they'll be willing to soil less of it, and when it's safe for them to go outside they'll automatically prefer it. All they really need is a little encouragement and praise, and a whole lot of patience.
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Cockapoos are very smart. At only 5 weeks old our puppies prefer to go outside, but they're still too young to be completely trained.
Crate training is a perfect tool to facilitate potty training. With the right size crate your puppy will be unwilling to potty where he lays down. He'll hold it, but don't make him hold it for very long or you'll have a messy accident on your hands.
Have a command, and use it every time. My dogs are trained to potty at the command "do your business." Praise and give treats any time this or any command is followed correctly.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your puppy to go outside. This sometimes means waiting a long time for the opportunity to praise your pet, but studies show that punishing dogs for misbehavior has little to no effect on future behavior. Even a few happy words of praise are more powerful than a slap for something your dog doesn't even remember doing.
There's a cycle to puppy behavior that begins in infancy. It goes "sleep, play, potty, eat, sleep" and continues into adulthood. Use this to your advantage and take your puppy out at the most appropriate time.
Accidents can and will happen. Be forgiving. Be kind. Be patient. Your dog will have the important habits soon. Don't give up, and don't get frustrated.
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Start with a crate just large enough for your dog to lay down in comfortably, but no larger. Extra space is detrimental to potty training because it gives your puppy space to pee without having to lay in it. Get a decent, washable crate pad.
The first time you put your puppy in the crate leave the door open. Hold him there with just your hand. Praise him and give him treats, then give him a break.
The first time you close the door leave it unlocked. Let your puppy push it open with his nose. Gently guide him back in and praise him and give him treats.
When he's comfortable, lock the door but stay next to the crate. Praise and give treats. Give the act of going into the crate a specific command, and use that command every single time. It's important that your puppy has a word or phrase that means you want him to go in the crate. The best command sequence is *name, command, reward.*
Gradually leave your puppy in the crate for longer periods of time. Never, ever use the crate as a punishment. This should be a safe space for him where he feels comfortable. Feed him in his crate at least once in a while. Eventually he'll come to associate the crate with "safe" and he'll be happy there. Always leave it open for him, even when you don't need him there.
Soon you'll find that your puppy enters the crate on command and is content to stay there!
Questions? Ask us!