Bringing home a Bernedoodle puppy is exciting, but potty training can feel overwhelming. With consistency, patience, and a routine tailored to your dog’s personality, most Bernedoodles are reliably house-trained by 4–6 months. At Double U Doodles, we’ve helped hundreds of families successfully potty train their Bernedoodle and mini Bernedoodle puppies. Here’s our breeder-tested method to make the process smoother for both you and your new best friend.

Understanding Your Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles combine the gentle temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of the Poodle. That means they’re smart and eager to please, but they can also be sensitive and occasionally stubborn.

Mini Bernedoodles often need more frequent breaks due to smaller bladders, and many Bernedoodles dislike going outside in bad weather. The good news? Their intelligence, food motivation, and love of routine make them excellent students.

Before You Begin To Potty Train Your Bernedoodle

Set yourself up for success before your puppy even arrives.

• Crate: Just large enough to stand and turn around, but not too big
• Enzymatic cleaner: Eradicates scent marker.
• High-value treats: Small, tasty rewards for outdoor success
• Baby gates or playpen: Restrict access until they’re reliable

Choose a consistent potty spot outdoors that’s quiet, safe, and easy to reach.

Stage 1: Building the Foundation Of Potty Training (Weeks 1–4)

Early on, frequent breaks are essential for potty training. Take your puppy out:

• First thing in the morning
• After naps
• After meals (within 15–30 minutes)
• After play sessions
• Whenever they start sniffing, circling, or heading toward the door

Go straight to the potty spot, use a cue like “go potty,” wait patiently, and reward immediately after they finish. Never punish accidents, just clean them thoroughly and supervise more closely.

Stage 2: Building Consistency (Weeks 5–8)

Gradually extend the time between potty breaks. Watch for their unique signals and respond quickly. Start encouraging them to “ask” to go out, many will naturally start sitting by the door or whining.

Stage 3: Achieving Reliability (Weeks 9–16)

Most Bernedoodles become increasingly reliable during this stage. You can work on longer stretches between breaks, solidifying nighttime potty training, and maintaining consistent responses to their signals.

Common Potty Training Challenges and Fixes

• Regression (4–5 months): Return to more frequent breaks and supervision for a week or so
• Bad weather reluctance: Use a covered potty area or dog coat
• Excitement urination: Keep greetings calm and potty before play
• Outdoor distractions: Use a leash to focus them on the task

Crate Training

Crates help because dogs avoid soiling their sleeping space. Keep it positive and comfortable, never use it for punishment, and always take your puppy outside immediately afterward.

Advanced Tips For Potty Training

Bell Training: Hang a bell by the door and ring it each time you go out. Soon, your puppy will start ringing it themselves.

Reward Smartly: Use whatever motivates your puppy most, and reward immediately. Occasionally, give a “jackpot” of extra treats for big milestones.

Track Patterns:  Keep a one-week log of meals, potty times, and accidents to predict needs.

Health Considerations

Contact your vet if you notice sudden increases in accidents, straining, blood in urine or stool, or discomfort while going. Health issues can mimic potty training setbacks.

Seasonal Tips

• Winter: Clear a path to the potty area, keep outings short, and keep them warm.
• Summer: Take breaks during cooler hours and offer shade.
• Rainy days: Provide a covered potty area and reward brave behavior.

Potty Training Timeline Expectations

• 8–12 weeks: Frequent breaks, accidents are common
• 12–16 weeks: Patterns emerging, fewer accidents
• 16–20 weeks: Reliable daytime control for most puppies
• 20–24 weeks: Nighttime control is typically achieved
• 6+ months: Fully potty trained with rare mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to potty train a Bernedoodle?
Most are reliable by 4–6 months with consistent effort. Mini Bernedoodles may take a bit longer.

Should I use pee pads?
Avoid them if possible—they can confuse the process. If you must, move them gradually toward the door, then outside.

How often should I take my puppy out?
Every 1–2 hours for young puppies, plus after meals, naps, and play. Extend the time as they grow.

What if my puppy regresses?
Regression is normal. Go back to basics for a few days without punishment.

Are Bernedoodles harder to potty train than other breeds?
They can be independent, but their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great students with the right approach.

When should I worry about accidents?
Contact your vet if there’s a sudden change in habits, especially with signs of pain or blood.

Final Thoughts

Potty training a Bernedoodle puppy takes consistency, patience, and a positive attitude. Accidents are part of the process, what matters is responding calmly, sticking to the routine, and celebrating progress.

At Double U Doodles, we start the groundwork early with health-tested parents, early socialization, and structured routines. That gives your puppy the best possible start, and with your dedication, they’ll be a reliable, well-trained companion for years to come.