So, your puppy was doing so well with potty training, and now they’re suddenly having accidents in the house again. It’s frustrating, and you’re not alone. This backslide is known as puppy potty training regression, and it’s a common bump in the road for many puppy parents.
Potty training regression is when your puppy, who seemed to have mastered the art of going outside, starts having accidents inside again. This often happens when puppies are between 4 and 12 months old.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The reasons why puppy potty training regression happens
- How to spot the signs that your puppy is regressing
- What to do about it
- Tips for preventing future accidents
Root causes of potty training regression
If your puppy was doing well with potty training and now is having accidents in the house, there could be a few reasons for the change.
Developmental changes
Hormonal and physical changes can affect your puppy’s bladder control. For example, the discomfort of teething can be distracting and lead to accidents. Remember, puppies don’t usually have full bladder control until they’re about six months old.
Also, puppies go through fear periods that can cause anxiety and trigger accidents. New experiences and surroundings can be overwhelming and stressful for a young dog.
As your puppy becomes more independent and curious, they may be more focused on exploring their environment and less focused on when they need to pee or poop.
Changes in routine and environment
Puppies thrive on routine, so inconsistent schedules can really mess with potty training. When toilet breaks are less frequent or mealtimes are all over the place, that can lead to accidents. Sticking to a consistent schedule is key to heading off future regressions.
Also, moving to a new home or adding new members to the family (human or animal) can cause stress for your puppy. These kinds of life changes can trigger anxiety and lead to indoor accidents.
Medical conditions and health issues
Sometimes, there’s a medical reason for potty training regression. For example, a urinary tract infection can cause frequent urination and accidents.
Underlying medical conditions like UTIs, kidney disease, or gastroenteritis can cause inappropriate elimination, too. A vet can rule out medical problems and help you figure out what’s going on.
How to recognize potty training regression
If your puppy was doing great but suddenly starts having accidents inside, they may be regressing. Some common signs of potty training regression include:
- More frequent accidents. If your puppy was reliably going outside, but now you’re cleaning up messes inside every day, that’s a sign.
- Accidents in previously clean areas. Has your puppy started soiling spots where they used to know better? That’s another red flag.
- Fewer warning signs. Is your puppy just squatting and going without any circling, sniffing, or whining? They may be regressing.
- Indoor accidents soon after going outside. If your puppy pees or poops inside even after a recent successful potty break outside, something’s probably up.
Effective Strategies to Address Potty Training Regression
If your puppy has started having accidents in the house after a period of being reliably house-trained, don’t despair! Regression is fairly common, and there are several strategies you can use to get your pup back on track.
Re-Establish a Consistent Routine
Go back to the basics of potty training, as if you were starting over. This means creating a strict and predictable potty schedule. Take your puppy outside at regular intervals, especially first thing in the morning, after meals, and after playtime. It’s important to remember that reliable potty training may not fully solidify until your puppy is closer to a year old, so patience is key.
When your puppy successfully eliminates outside, use positive reinforcement. Shower them with praise, offer a tasty treat, and give them lots of affection. Avoid punishment, as it can create fear and anxiety around potty time, making the problem worse.
Implement Proper Cleaning Protocols
When accidents happen, it’s crucial to clean them up thoroughly and correctly. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down the odor-causing components of urine and feces, effectively eliminating them. Regular household cleaners may not fully remove these odors, which can prompt your puppy to repeat the offense in the same spot.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can be harmful to your puppy and may not be effective at eliminating odors.
Manage Diet and Water Intake
Sudden changes in your puppy’s diet can upset their digestive system and lead to accidents. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and stick to the same type of food. It’s also a good idea to monitor your puppy’s water intake, especially before bedtime. Reducing water intake a few hours before bed can help minimize nighttime accidents.
Supervise and Confine When Necessary
When your puppy is indoors, supervise them closely. Keep them on a leash or in the same room as you, so you can monitor their behavior and quickly redirect them outside if they start to show signs of needing to go. When you can’t supervise, use a crate or playpen to prevent accidents and provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy.
When to seek professional help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a puppy’s potty training regression persists. Here’s when it’s time to call in the experts:
- Persistent Regression: If your puppy continues to have accidents inside, even after you’ve consistently tried the strategies above, professional help is a good idea.
- Suspected Medical Issues: A vet can rule out underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to the problem. Urinary tract infections, for example, can cause accidents.
- Behavioral Issues: A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide personalized guidance and address any underlying behavioral problems. They can help you understand your puppy’s specific needs and tailor a training plan to fit.
Final Thoughts
If your puppy is regressing with potty training, remember that consistency and patience are key. House training takes time and effort, and setbacks are a normal part of the process.
Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors. Reward your pup when they potty outside, and create a positive association with eliminating in the right spot.
A consistent routine and environment can also help prevent future regressions. Finally, don’t forget to schedule regular check-ups with your vet to make sure your puppy is healthy and happy.