Potty training is one of the first big hurdles in dog ownership. It’s a crucial step that sets the tone for your dog’s behavior and your home’s cleanliness. But what happens when your dog, once perfectly potty trained, starts having accidents inside the house again? Understanding why dogs become unpotty trained is essential to addressing the issue effectively. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this behavior, how to spot it early, and what steps you can take to retrain your furry friend.

How Do I Know if My Dog is Becoming Unpotty Trained?

It’s not always obvious when your dog starts regressing in their potty training, especially if the accidents are infrequent at first. However, there are some common signs to watch for:

• Accidents Inside the House: Finding urine or feces in unexpected places, like the living room or kitchen.
• Urinating or Defecating in Their Crate or Sleeping Area: This is a strong indicator, as dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping spots.
• Going to the Bathroom Right After Being Let Outside: If your dog urinates or defecates shortly after coming back inside, it might indicate they didn’t go properly during their outdoor time.

Catching these behaviors early is crucial. The longer the problem persists, the harder it can be to retrain your dog.

What are the Most Common Reasons Dogs Lose Potty Training?

There are several reasons why a dog might become unpotty trained. Understanding these can help you address the root cause more effectively.

Adolescence and Hormonal Changes

Just like human teenagers, dogs go through a phase of hormonal changes during adolescence, typically around 6-18 months old. This period can bring about behavioral changes, including potty training regression. Patience and consistent reinforcement are key during this time.

Old Age and Physical/Mental Decline

As dogs age, they might struggle with incontinence or cognitive decline, making it harder for them to remember their potty training. Arthritis or other physical ailments can also make it difficult for them to get outside in time.

Illnesses

Medical issues like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or cognitive dysfunction can lead to accidents. If your dog suddenly starts having accidents, a visit to the vet is crucial to rule out any health problems.

Stress or Anxiety

Changes in environment or routine, such as moving to a new house, a new family member, or even a change in your work schedule, can cause stress or anxiety in dogs. This stress can manifest as potty accidents.

Incomplete or Improper Potty Training

If your dog didn’t receive thorough or consistent potty training initially, they might not have a solid foundation. This can lead to regression, especially in new or stressful situations.

How Can I Retrain My Dog After Potty Accidents?

Retraining your dog after they start having accidents involves going back to basics and reinforcing good habits.

Step-by-Step Retraining Tips

1. Go Back to Basics with Crate Training and Frequent Trips Outside: Start by keeping your dog in a crate when unsupervised and take them outside frequently. Gradually increase their freedom as they demonstrate reliable potty behavior.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they go potty in the right place. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the desired behavior.
3. Thoroughly Clean Accidents with Enzymatic Cleaners: Enzymatic cleaners break down the proteins in urine and feces, removing the odor completely. This prevents your dog from being attracted to the same spot again.
4. Supervise Closely: Keep a close eye on your dog when they are inside the house. If you catch them in the act, gently interrupt and take them outside immediately.
5. Consult a Trainer if Retraining Efforts are Unsuccessful: If your retraining efforts aren’t working, it might be time to seek help from a professional dog trainer.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

A sudden onset of potty accidents often warrants a trip to the vet. Medical issues like urinary tract infections, incontinence, or cognitive decline could be the culprits. It’s important not to punish your dog for accidents if they are medically related. Your vet can help diagnose and treat these conditions, ensuring your dog is healthy and happy.

How Can I Prevent My Puppy From Becoming Unpotty Trained?

Proper potty training from the start can prevent future regression. Here are some tips to ensure your puppy stays potty trained:

Consistent Feeding and Potty Schedule

Stick to a regular feeding and potty schedule. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed.

Reward and Praise for Going Potty Outside

Always reward and praise your puppy when they go potty outside. This positive reinforcement helps them associate going outside with good things.

Supervise Closely and Crate Train

Supervise your puppy closely, especially when they are inside the house. Use a crate when you can’t watch them to prevent accidents.

Gradually Increase Freedom

As your puppy demonstrates control, gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start with one room and expand as they continue to succeed.

Seek Help from a Trainer

If potty training isn’t progressing, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues.

Playtime, Exercise, and Dog Accessories at Printies

While retraining or maintaining good potty habits, ensuring your dog gets plenty of playtime and exercise is crucial. A tired dog is less likely to have accidents and more likely to follow routines. At Printies, we offer a variety of dog accessories to make playtime and exercise more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Personalized Dog Accessories

From pet bandanas to pet blankets, our products are designed for longevity and practicality. Our pet ID tags and dog collars not only keep your dog safe but can also be personalized to highlight your pet’s individuality.

Quality and Design

We work with top factories around the world to ensure every item meets premium standards. Our pet mats, pet bowls, pet feeding mats, pet beds, and dog leashes are all crafted with care, ensuring both durability and style.

Conclusion

Understanding why dogs become unpotty trained and knowing how to address it can save you and your furry friend a lot of stress. Whether it’s due to adolescence, old age, illness, or stress, catching the behavior early and taking appropriate steps can help retrain your dog effectively. And remember, a healthy, happy dog with plenty of exercise and proper accessories from Printies is more likely to maintain good potty habits.