25 Expert Tips to Solve Common Dog Potty Training Problems

Dog potty training problems are a normal part of the process. Your puppy will likely have accidents, forget where their bathroom is, or simply not be ready to be alone in the house yet.

If you’re having trouble with potty training your puppy or dog, check out this list of common problems and solutions. Most issues can be easily resolved with some patience and dedication!

Many common puppy potty training problems can be solved with the right approach.

Here are some of the most common issues, along with suggestions for how to fix them:

1. Lack of Consistency in Training

It is crucial to establish a consistent potty training routine for your puppy. Consistency is key in helping your puppy understand what is expected of them when they need to eliminate.

This can include taking them out to designated potty areas on a regular schedule, using a specific command or cue when you take them out, and providing positive reinforcement when they eliminate in the appropriate place.

It’s important to keep in mind that puppies have a small bladder and limited control over their elimination. They may need to go out more frequently than an adult dog, and it’s important to be patient and understand that accidents will happen

In addition to providing your puppy with regular potty breaks, it’s important to also supervise them while they are indoors. This will allow you to detect any signs that they need to go out, such as sniffing around, and take them out immediately to prevent any accidents inside.

It can be difficult to tell when your puppy needs to go out, but there are some signs to look out for.

1. Sniffing around or circling: A dog will sniff around or circle when they need to go to the toilet.
2. Pawing at the door: Your puppy may paw at the door or scratch to indicate they need to go out.
3. Barking or whining: Your pup may bark or whine to communicate that they need to go outside.
4. Restlessness or pacing: If your puppy is restless or pacing, it may be trying to tell you they need to go outside.
5. Going to the spot: If your puppy goes to the spot where they usually go to the bathroom, it’s a sure sign they need to go out.

Providing plenty of opportunities for your puppy to eliminate outside, whether it be in a yard or on a walk, will help them learn to associate going potty with being outside.

It is also important to use positive reinforcement techniques when the puppy eliminates in the appropriate place, such as providing a treat or praise.

2. Not Providing Enough Opportunities for The Dog to Eliminate Outside

It is essential to provide your puppy with ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, including regular potty breaks. A puppy that is confined indoors for extended periods without sufficient opportunities to relieve themselves outside may develop a habit of having accidents inside.

It’s important to keep in mind that puppies have a small bladder and limited control over their elimination. They may need to go out more frequently than an adult dog.

To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial to take your puppy out at regular intervals when you are home with them. A good rule of thumb is to take them out at least every hour or more, depending on their age, breed and individual needs .

During these potty breaks, it’s important to provide your puppy with plenty of space outside to explore and eliminate without interruptions or distractions.

In addition, providing your puppy with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, such as toys and interactive training (learn how here), will help them expend energy, which will reduce the likelihood of accidents inside.

3. Not Properly Supervising The Dog

It’s important to closely monitor your puppy during the potty training process to ensure that they are able to understand and follow through with the established routine. Consistently supervising your puppy can help you detect when they need to go potty and take them out immediately, reducing the likelihood of accidents inside.

When you’re home with your puppy, it’s best to stay within sight of him at all times, except when he’s confined in his crate or designated room for brief periods of time (learn how to crate train your puppy here). This way, you can quickly and easily take him outside to relieve himself when needed.

When your puppy is outside, it’s essential to be right there with him so that you can monitor his behavior and prevent him from wandering off or getting into any trouble.

Additionally, it’s important not to leave your puppy unsupervised in the house until potty training is complete, which can take anywhere from 8-16 months depending on the puppy’s breed and individual needs.

This will help prevent any accidents from occurring and will enable you to establish a consistent routine for your puppy to follow.

4. Being Afraid to Go Potty Outside

There are several possible reasons why puppies may be afraid to go potty outside. They may be scared of the environment, such as unfamiliar noises, other animals, or people. They may not understand that it’s okay to go outside, or they may be afraid of the weather. They may also be overwhelmed or stressed by the new experience of going outside for potty.

To help a puppy become more comfortable with going potty outside, it is important to start slowly and make the experience positive and rewarding. Take the puppy out to a quiet area that is free from unfamiliar noises , other animals, and people.

Offer plenty of treats and verbal praise when they go potty outside so that they can start to associate the outdoors with positive experiences.

You can also practice going out for short walks and potty breaks during the day so that the puppy can get accustomed to the environment.

With patience and consistency, your puppy will eventually become more comfortable with going potty outside.

5. Not Understanding The Command “go Potty”

Teaching your dog a specific command for going potty can be helpful in the potty training process. Use a specific phrase, such as “go potty” or “do your business,” and say it every time you take your dog out to go potty. Consistently using the same phrase will help your dog to associate the command with the action of going potty.

Dogs learn by association, so if you want them to think of one thing as eliminating, make sure it’s always the same thing.

If you’ve been using “go potty” but now want to switch over to “do your business,” it’s important that every time they go outside (or wherever), it starts with “do your business.”

This will help them associate the command with going outside so that eventually, only one word will be needed: “outside.”

6. Lack of Positive Reinforcement for Appropriate Elimination Behavior

It’s essential to provide positive reinforcement to your puppy during the potty training process. This means rewarding your puppy when they eliminate in the appropriate place, as it helps them understand what is expected of them.

One common mistake new dog owners make is not rewarding their puppy when they do something right. This can make it difficult for the puppy to understand what is acceptable behavior and what isn’t.

To overcome this issue, it’s important to clearly communicate to your puppy what you want them to do, and then reward them when they perform the desired behavior.

For example , if you want your puppy to go to the bathroom outside, take them to the designated potty area and allow them to sniff around, when they eliminate in the appropriate place, reward them with a treat.

The more consistent you are with this process, the faster your puppy will understand and learn the desired behavior.

7. Not Going Potty on a Specific Surface, Such as Grass or Gravel

Potty training is one of the most important steps in raising a puppy, and it can be difficult for puppies to adjust to going to the bathroom on certain surfaces. There are many reasons why some puppies don’t want to go potty on certain surfaces, such as grass or gravel.

Understanding the reasons behind their reluctance can help owners find a solution to the problem.

Below is a list of reasons why some puppies don’t want to go potty on certain surfaces, as well as some potential solutions.

• The surface may be too hard , uneven, or uncomfortable for the puppy’s delicate paws.
• The puppy may be scared of the unfamiliar texture or noise of the surface.
• The pup may have had a negative experience with the surface in the past.
• The puppy may not yet be familiar with the surface or know that it is safe to use.

Solutions:

1. Take some time to walk the puppy around the surface and allow them to explore it without wanting them to go potty.
2. Introduce the puppy to the surface gradually, beginning with short walks and gradually increasing the time spent onn the surface.
3. Give the puppy plenty of praise and treats when they do go potty on the surface.
4. Take the puppy to the same spot each time and consistently reinforce the behavior so they become more comfortable with the surface.
5. If the pup is still reluctant to go potty on the surface, try to find an alternate surface that is more comfortable for the puppy.

8. Punishing The Dog for Accidents Instead of Positively Correcting

A dog will not understand that he is being punished if you scold him after an accident. He will think that he has done something bad, but he won’t understand what it was or why you’re upset about it.

This will only make your puppy more anxious and afraid of you.

Instead, correct your dog when he pees on the floor or chews on things he shouldn’t. If you catch him in the act, say “no” firmly, pick him up and carry him outside to pee or walk him away from whatever he’s chewing on so he doesn’t get rewarded with attention for doing something wrong.

Then praise him when he does something right (like going outside) or give him a treat if it’s something like chewing on his toys instead of your shoes!

It’s much better to reward him with praise or treats than to punish him for doing something wrong!

9. Not Adapting The Training to The Individual Dog’s Needs and Personality

Puppies are not all alike — they all have different needs, personalities and energy levels. This means that one size does not fit all when it comes to puppy potty training.

For example, some puppies will not be ready for full-time housebreaking until they’re 10 weeks old or older, while others may be ready much earlier.

Some puppies need more time to learn than others because their brains develop more slowly or because they don’t pay attention as well as other dogs do.

So when you’re thinking about your puppy’s schedule for housebreaking, keep in mind that each puppy is different and will require different amounts of time to learn what you want him to learn.

10. Not Providing Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Puppies need to be given enough exercise, otherwise they will get bored and mischievous. So if you want your puppy to learn how to pee outside, make sure he gets enough exercise every day so that he does not have any pent-up energy inside him which might encourage him to mess around indoors rather than go outside for pottying purposes.

Also keep in mind that puppies need playtime as well as exercise time daily so that they do not get bored and try doing something destructive like chewing up your shoes or tearing up papers etcetera inside the house instead of going out for pottying purposes.

11. Submissive or Fear-related Urination

Submissive urination is a common behavior in puppies and can be caused by several factors, including fear or anxiety. In order to address this behavior, it is important to identify the underlying cause and tailor a behavior modification plan accordingly.

One approach is to work on building your puppy’s confidence through positive reinforcement training. This can be done by providing them with plenty of praise, treats, and playtime for good behavior.

Additionally, it is important to avoid scolding or punishing your puppy for accidents, as this can increase their fear and anxiety. Instead, use a neutral or positive tone of voice to calmly redirect them to the appropriate elimination spot.

It’s also essential to provide your puppy with a predictable and consistent routine, including regular meals, potty breaks, and playtime . This can help them feel more secure and reduce their anxiety.

Another approach is to gradually expose your puppy to the things that make them afraid, in a controlled and positive environment with the help of a professional trainer. This can help them learn to cope with the situation, and their fear will decrease over time.

Consulting with a professional veterinarian (or an online veterinarian available 24/7) or animal behaviorist can be helpful in identifying the specific cause of your puppy’s submissive urination, and in developing a personalized behavior modification plan.

12. Eliminating in The Crate

If your puppy is eliminating in his crate, it can be a sign that he doesn’t have enough time outside of his crate to go potty.

You may need to increase the length of time that your puppy spends outside of the crate each day ( for example, increasing from 5 minutes to 10 minutes ).

I understand how frustrating it can be when your puppy is eliminating in the crate. Here are some tips from a professional pet behaviorist to help address this issue:

• Establish a consistent routine for your puppy. Feeding, potty, and playtime should all be on a regular schedule.
• Make sure your puppy has a comfortable and inviting place to sleep. This will help reduce their anxiety and make them more likely to hold their bladder.
• Try to keep your puppy’s crate in a quiet and peaceful area of the house.
• Avoid leaving your puppy in the crate for too long. If possible, provide them with access to a larger space for potty breaks.
• Provide your puppy with plenty of enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys, to help keepp them mentally stimulated.
• Don’t forget to reward your puppy when they use the bathroom outside of their crate. This will help reinforce the idea that this is the preferred place to go.
• Clean up any accidents immediately and avoid punishing the puppy. This will help reinforce the idea that the crate is a safe and comfortable.

13. Destroying or Damaging The Pads During Elimination

It can be difficult and frustrating when puppies destroy or damage the pads during elimination, especially when you’re trying to potty-train them.

Solution:

1. Ensure that the area is kept clean, and replace the pads if they become dirty.
2. Positively reinforce potty training by rewarding your puppy when they use the pads correctly.
3. Keep the pads away from any other objects or items that your puppy could chew on or play with.
4. Make sure that the pads are large enough for your pup to comfortably eliminate on.
5. Increase the frequency of potty breaks for your pup by taking them outside more often.
6. Discourage destructive behavior by providing your pup with appropriate chew toys or interactive toys.
7. Supervise your pup closely when they are using the pads, and address any destructive behavior quickly.

14. Eliminating Only When Not Supervised

This problem usually occurs when the puppy is left alone for too long without being taken out to potty.

Dogs are naturally clean animals, so if your pup is not encouraged to go to the toilet in its designated place regularly, it may learn that it is okay to eliminate wherever it feels like doing so.

Solution:

The solution here is simple: Make sure that you take your puppy out at least once an hour during the day and twice per hour at night.

This way, they’ll be able to relieve themselves as needed and learn how much time has passed since their last trip outside—and therefore when they can expect another dose of fresh air!

15. Leaving The Puppy for Long Periods Between Bathroom Breaks

It’s important to keep in mind that puppies have smaller bladders and less control than adult dogs, so they will need more frequent bathroom breaks. If your puppy is left alone for long periods of time, accidents are more likely to occur.

To prevent this, it’s best to take them out every hour or so while they’re awake. This not only helps with potty training, but it also provides thee opportunity for physical exercise and mental stimulation.

When taking your puppy outside for a potty break, make sure to give them enough time to do their business. If you want to play with your puppy, it’s best to take them out for a potty break first, so they don’t become too excited and have an accident inside the house.

16. Not Cleaning up Accidents Effectively

It’s important to emphasize the importance of prompt clean-up when it comes to preventing accidents in the house. The longer an accident sits, the more likely it is that your puppy will return to the same spot and have another accident.

This can lead to a frustrating cycle of repeated accidents and difficulty in potty training.

To effectively clean up an accident, it’s important to use the appropriate cleaning solution for the surface in question (like this enzymatic cleaner). For carpets, a disinfectant designed specifically for carpets is crucial to remove any lingering odors and bacteria that could attract your puppy to the same spot.

Similarly, for hard surfaces like tile or wood flooring , a solution specifically designed for those surfaces will effectively clean and disinfect the area.

It’s also important to note that if your puppy has been ill recently, their urine may contain bacteria that could potentially cause illness in other pets or even yourself. In these cases, it’s crucial to use a disinfectant that is capable of killing germs and bacteria to ensure the safety and health of everyone in the household.

Overall, quick and effective clean-up is key in preventing accidents and maintaining a clean and safe living environment for your furry companion.

17. Consistently Soiling The Same Area

Consistently soiling the same area is a common issue among puppies and can be caused by a variety of factors. One potential cause is ineffective cleaning of accidents, which can lead the puppy to associate that area with a designated spot for elimination.

Another possibility is a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or diarrhea, which should be ruled out by consulting with a veterinarian.

To address this issue, it is important to first thoroughly clean up any accidents in the designated area using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to remove any lingering scent. This will help to eliminate any remaining odor that may be attracting the puppy to that area.

Next, it is important to provide the puppy with regular opportunities to eliminate in the appropriate location, such as a designated potty area or dog run , and to supervise them closely during these times.

It’s important to also provide positive reinforcement when the puppy eliminates in the appropriate location and redirect them to the appropriate spot if they begin to eliminate in the designated area.

Additionally, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to this behavior. This may include a urinary tract infection, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problem that may be causing increased frequency of elimination.

18. The Puppy Is Too Distracted to Go to The Toilet

I understand how frustrating it can be when your puppy is too distracted to go to the toilet outdoor.

Here are some tips to help you and your puppy:

1. Make sure the environment outside is quiet and peaceful. Take your puppy to a location that is free from distractions such as other people, animals, and noise.
2. Reward your puppy for going to the toilet outside. Give them treats or praise when they go outside. This will help them associate going to the toilet outside with positive reinforcement.
3. Take your puppy out on a regular schedule. Establish a routine of taking your puppy out at the same time every day. This will help them learn when (and where) it’s time to go to the toilet.
4. Spend some time playing with your puppy before taking them outside. This can help them relax and focus on going to the toilet.
5. Be patient and consistent with your puppy. It may take some time for them to learn to go to the toilet outside. Don’t punish them if they have accidents, but rather use positive reinforcement when they do it correctly.

19. Accidents Occurring While The Owner Is Away

Accidents occurring while the owner is away is a common issue among puppies that can stem from a variety of factors.

One possible cause is not providing enough opportunities for elimination, which can lead to the puppy becoming too full and unable to hold it until the next opportunity arises.

Another potential cause is not properly crate training, which can lead to the puppy not understanding that the crate is not a designated spot for elimination.

Solution:

To address this issue, it is essential to provide the puppy with regular opportunities for elimination throughout the day, especially before leaving them alone. This can be achieved by taking them out to the designated potty area or dog run at specific times throughout the day.

It is also important to properly crate train your puppy by introducing them to the crate gradually and pairing it with positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise.

Additionally, investing in a dog camera can be a valuable tool in understanding your puppy’s behavior while you’re away. This will allow you to monitor their behavior and identify patterns or triggers that may be contributing to the accidents.

It’s also important to make sure that you are providing enough stimulation and interaction for your dog when you are away, for example, leaving a puzzle toy for them to play with or leaving music on.

20. Urinating Multiple Times Within an Hour

Puppies often urinate multiple times within an hour due to a variety of causes. These include:

1. Bladder infection: A bladder infection can cause your puppy to urinate frequently and in small amounts. Your vet can check for a bladder infection with a urine sample.
2. Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can also cause frequent urination in puppies. Take your puppy to the vet to rule out any medical conditions, then work to reduce your puppy’s stress levels. Provide your puppy with a comfortable and secure environment, plenty of exercise, and regular socialization.
3. Bladder weakness: Puppies can sometimes suffer from bladder weakness , which can cause frequent urination. Your vet can check for any underlying medical conditions and provide treatment if necessary.
4. Diet: Puppies need a balanced diet that is high in protein and low in fat. A healthy diet can help reduce frequent urination.
5. Training: Consistent potty training can help your puppy learn to hold their bladder for longer. Use a consistent schedule and reward your puppy for going to the bathroom outside.
6. Exercise: Exercise can help your puppy to release pent-up energy and learn to control their bladder. Take your puppy for regular walks and playtime.

21. Transitioning a Pad-trained Dog to Eliminating Outside

Transitioning from using indoor pads to eliminating outside can be a challenge for puppies. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:

• If you have other pets in the household, try to take them out to the same spot at the same time. This can help to reinforce the idea that it is the designated bathroom spot.
• If your puppy is having trouble remembering where to go, try taking them tto their designated spot several times a day and reward them with treats when they go.
• To help your puppy recognize the difference between indoors and outdoors, try training them to use a specific word or cue when they need to eliminate. For example, you can try saying “go potty” when it’s time for them to go potty outside.
• If possible, try to create a consistent schedule for your puppy’s bathroom breaks. This will help them to establish regular habits.
• Avoid punishing your puppy for accidents, and instead focus on praising them when they eliminate in the right spot.

22. Refusing to Go to The Bathroom When Taken Out

Refusing to go to the bathroom when taken out is a common issue among puppies that can stem from a variety of factors.

One possible cause is not taking the puppy out frequently enough, which can lead to the puppy not associating going outside with elimination.

Another potential cause is not providing enough opportunities for elimination, which can lead to the puppy becoming too full and unable to hold it until the next opportunity arises.

To address this issue, it is essential to take the puppy out frequently and provide plenty of opportunities for elimination throughout the day. This can be achieved by taking them out to the designated potty area or dog run at specific times throughout the day.

Additionally, it is important to be patient and not to rush the puppy, allowing them to sniff and explore the area before encouraging them to eliminate.

Investing in an online potty training program like “the Secrets to Completely Potty Train Any Dog or Puppy in 7 Days or Less” can also be beneficial, as it can provide a structured and consistent approach to potty training that can help to speed up the process.

However , it’s important to understand that every puppy is different and some may take longer to potty train than others, so it’s also crucial to be patient and not to get frustrated.

It’s also important to be aware of the puppy’s body language and to look out for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining.

23. Not Showing Signs When It Needs to Go Out

Not showing signs when they need to go out is a common issue among puppies that can make it difficult for the owner to know when to take them out.

To address this issue, it is essential to pay close attention to your puppy’s behavior and establish a regular schedule for taking them out.

This can be achieved by taking them out to the designated potty area or dog run at specific times throughout the day, such as after meals, after naps and before bedtime.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the puppy’s body language and to look out for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining.

Investing in a dog camera can also be beneficial, as it can provide a valuable tool in understanding your puppy’s behavior while you’re not at home. This will allow you to monitor (and record) their behavior and identify patterns or triggers that may be contributing to the lack of signs when they need to go out.

Overall, a combination of paying close attention to your puppy ‘s behavior and establishing a regular schedule for taking them out, and investing in a dog camera can help to address the issue of a puppy not showing signs when they need to go out.

24. Not Supervising The Puppy When It Has a Full Bladder

Not supervising a puppy when it has a full bladder can lead to accidents inside the house, as they may not have the ability to hold it until they have an opportunity to go outside.

To address this issue, it is essential to supervise your puppy at all times (I know it is difficult, but it is worth it), especially when they are in the house.

This can be achieved by confining your puppy to a specific area of the house with the use of aa baby gate or a dog playpen when you are unable to supervise them.

Additionally, it’s important to establish a regular schedule for taking the puppy out to the designated potty area or dog run, this will help them to develop a routine and understand when it’s time to go out.

25. Leaving The Puppy in The Crate for Extended Periods of Time

Leaving a puppy in a crate for extended periods of time can lead to accidents and cause stress for the puppy. To avoid this, it is important to provide regular opportunities for elimination outside of the crate, and to limit the amount of time the puppy is confined inn the crate.

Additionally, it is important to provide mental and physical stimulation for the puppy when they are not in the crate. This can include interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular training sessions.

This will help to keep the puppy mentally stimulated and happy while they are in the crate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, potty training a puppy can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done successfully.

By identifying and addressing the common potty training problems, you can help your puppy learn to eliminate in the appropriate places and develop good potty habits.

Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach, and your puppy will soon be a well-trained member of your family.

We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them here or in the comments section below.

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