Congratulations on your new Goldendoodle Lovely puppy! What an exciting week you have ahead. I know you’re probably feeling that wonderful mix of pure joy and a little “now what?” This first week is all about getting to know each other, letting your puppy explore, and starting good habits right away. Potty training is a big part of that, but with a little patience and consistency, it can be simple—and even fun.

Let Your Puppy Explore

When you first walk through the door, give your puppy a chance to take it all in. Supervised exploration is the name of the game. Play with them, walk them around the house, and let them check out the backyard. Let them sniff everything—this is how they learn that this new space is theirs.

Our Potty Training Protocol

At Goldendoodle Lovely, we send our puppies home about 50% potty trained. They’ve been litter-box trained with pine pellets, so we make it easy to keep that progress going.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Set Up a Potty Area: Spread the pine pellets we send home in the outdoor spot you want to designate as the bathroom.
• Leash and Wait: Use the small leash and walk your puppy to the potty area. Then stand like a statue. No talking, no coaxing. Your puppy will probably protest, pull, and try to wander off. That’s normal. Just quietly wait.
• Reward the Right Moment: Eventually, curiosity takes over. Your puppy will start sniffing and—success!—go potty. As they begin to go, softly use your cue word—something like “Potty Potty” or “Do your business.” The key is to say it while they’re going, not before. Over time, your puppy will associate that phrase with the action.
• After They Finish: If you’re in an enclosed yard, you can gently remove the leash and let them explore as a reward. If your space isn’t secure, keep the leash on but allow a little sniff-and-play time.

This teaches a simple pattern: potty first, then play.

Track Everything

You’ll go home with a Potty Tracking Sheet. Use it. Write down every pee or poop, good or accidental. Within a few days, you’ll see your puppy’s unique rhythm emerge.

As a rule of thumb, take your puppy out about every two hours. Keep fresh water available all day, but remember: after every meal or big drink, a potty break is almost guaranteed.

Nighttime Routine

Around 7 p.m., pick up the water bowl to help your puppy sleep longer stretches. Around 8:30 p.m., settle them into their crate—even if the household is still awake. Right before you go to bed, take them out one more time. Most puppies will sleep until about 2–3 a.m. Don’t set an alarm; if they need to go, they’ll let you know. By 10–11 weeks of age, many puppies can hold their bladder all night.

Accidents Happen

If there’s an accident indoors, remember: it’s not your puppy’s fault. Potty training is about your timing and supervision. Stay patient, keep tracking, and you’ll both get the hang of it.

I also love using a dog bell by the back door so your puppy can signal when it’s time to go out (here’s the Amazon Link to the one I recommend). Remember, puppies learn the easiest with cause and effect. The bell rang = the door opens. Ring the bell each time you open the door. Your puppy will learn to ring the bell to have the door open.

Patience + Consistency = Success

This first week sets the tone for everything that follows. With consistency, your puppy will learn where and when to go—and you’ll both settle into a happy routine in no time.

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I’m available if you have specific questions or concerns about any of our puppies. Please reach out if you need anything 602-628-0301