Just when you think you’ve nailed potty training, accidents start happening… aaargh. Puppy potty training regressions are challenging and frustrating. You feel like you’ve got this whole potty training thing cracked and then next minute, you’ve stepped in a puddle of pee. Fear not, It’s probably just time for a refresher course in potty training, right?
Here, we’re going to delve into what a puppy training regression is, what causes a puppy potty training regression, if it’s normal to have potty training regressions, and how to handle them for the greatest success and have your puppy potty-trained once and for all!
We’ll also look at age-related regressions, so if you have a new puppy that you thought had cracked it, or you have an older puppy, you’ll know exactly how to fix it.
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You thought you had it all figured out. Your adorable furball was finally peeing outside consistently and you were celebrating the end of middle-of-the-night cleanup sessions. Then suddenly – puddles on the carpet again! If you’re wondering “do puppies regress with potty training?” the frustrating answer is absolutely yes.
As a dog parent who’s been through this multiple times, I can tell you potty training regression is super common and usually fixable with the right approach Let’s dive into why your “fully housebroken” pup is suddenly having accidents again and what you can do to get back on track.
What Is Puppy Potty Training Regression?
Puppy potty training regression happens when a previously house-trained pup starts having accidents indoors again. It’s that maddening moment when you think your dog has finally mastered where to do their business, only for them to forget everything they’ve learned.
An animal wellness study has shown that potty training regression is especially common in puppies between four months and one year old. During this time, their brains are still developing, and their memories aren’t as strong as adult dogs.
When Potty Training Regression Typically Happens
Regression tends to happen at specific developmental stages:
- 4-5 months old: This coincides with rapid brain development, when puppies might seem to forget previously learned behaviors
- 7-9 months old: Especially common in male dogs as testosterone levels increase with sexual maturity
- 10+ months old: Often related to hormonal changes as puppies transition to adulthood
As Kevin Ryan, a professional dog trainer with over 30 years of experience, notes: “It’s frustrating when your puppy regresses in their house training, but it is common and usually easily fixed with a back-to-the-basics approach.”
Signs Your Puppy Is Experiencing Potty Training Regression
How do you know if your puppy is truly regressing or just having an occasional accident? Look for these patterns:
- Repeatedly using the same indoor spots – They can smell their previous accidents, even if you can’t
- Having accidents while you’re away – This could indicate they’re alone too long
- Going outside but not actually pottying – They might just want to play
- No longer signaling when they need to go – They’ve forgotten their training
- Overnight accidents – Might be drinking too much before bed or feeling anxious
Common Causes of Puppy Potty Training Regression
Understanding why regression happens is the first step to fixing it. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Inconsistent Rewards and Training
We’ve all been there – your pup is doing great for a few days, so you relax your vigilance. You stop rewarding outdoor potties or watching them as closely. Suddenly, accidents happen! Consistency is key in potty training, and slacking off too soon is a recipe for regression.
2. Developmental Stages and Hormonal Changes
Just like human kids, puppies go through various developmental stages that impact their behavior. Their brains are literally rewiring, and sometimes potty training gets temporarily lost in the shuffle.
3. Anxiety and Stress
Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Changes in their environment can trigger anxiety, which often manifests as potty accidents. Common stressors include:
- Moving to a new home
- Adding a new pet or family member
- Changes in your work schedule
- Loud noises like fireworks
- Being left alone too long
4. Medical Issues
Sometimes regression isn’t behavioral at all but stems from a health problem. If your adult dog suddenly starts having accidents with no other obvious cause, it’s time for a vet visit. Common medical causes include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal issues
5. Not Thoroughly Cleaning Previous Accident Spots
Dogs have incredible noses – they can detect scents we can’t even perceive. If you haven’t completely eliminated the smell of previous accidents, your pup will be drawn back to those spots. This is why enzymatic cleaners are essential!
7 Steps to Fix Puppy Potty Training Regression
Don’t despair! With patience and consistency, most potty training regressions can be fixed. Here’s how to get back on track:
1. Go Back to Basics
Pretend your dog is a brand-new puppy again. Set up a consistent routine with frequent potty breaks, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. One trainer I spoke with recommends: “Sometimes just taking a step backwards in your house training, reestablishing a routine, and proceeding from there can reset your pup from their training regression.”
2. Clean Thoroughly With Enzymatic Cleaners
Regular cleaning products won’t completely eliminate urine odors. Invest in an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet accidents. These break down the urine molecules rather than just masking the smell.
3. Establish a Strict Schedule
Feed your pup at the same times each day, which helps create predictable potty times. Take them out:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals (within 30 minutes)
- After naps
- After playtime
- Before bedtime
- Every 2-3 hours in between
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Throw a party when your pup goes outside! Give lots of praise, treats, and excitement. Never punish accidents – this can make your dog afraid to go potty in front of you, leading to hidden accidents.
5. Consider Crate Training or Confinement
When you can’t supervise your pup, a properly sized crate or playpen can be invaluable. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, which reinforces holding their bladder until they can go outside.
6. Keep a Potty Training Diary
Record when your pup eats, drinks, and eliminates to identify patterns. Note any accidents – where they happened and what was going on beforehand. This can help you spot triggers and adjust your approach.
7. Try the In-and-Out Method
If your dog doesn’t go potty when you take them outside, bring them back in and put them in their crate or confined area for 10-15 minutes, then try again. Repeat until successful. This teaches them that outside time is for business first, play second.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Re-Training
When addressing regression, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Punishing accidents: This creates fear and anxiety, making the problem worse
- Inconsistent schedules: This confuses your pup about when and where they should go
- Too much freedom too soon: Gradually increase freedom as your dog shows reliability
- Not supervising closely enough: If you can’t watch them, they should be confined safely
- Giving up too soon: Regression is frustrating, but persistence pays off!
When to See a Vet
While most potty training regression is behavioral, sometimes there’s an underlying medical issue. Contact your vet if:
- The regression is sudden and severe
- Your adult dog (over 1 year) starts having accidents
- You notice changes in water consumption or urination frequency
- There’s blood in the urine or stool
- Your dog seems to be straining or in pain when eliminating
- Accidents happen even when your dog has just been outside
Real-Life Success Story
I remember when my Lab mix, Charlie, went through a terrible regression phase at about 8 months old. After being perfectly potty trained for months, he suddenly started having accidents every day. I was pulling my hair out!
After ruling out medical issues, we went back to basics – regular schedule, crate when unsupervised, and mega rewards for outdoor potties. Within two weeks, he was back on track. The key was consistency and patience (and lots of enzymatic cleaner!).
Final Thoughts on Puppy Potty Training Regression
Potty training regression is a normal part of puppy development. When it happens, take a deep breath, adjust your expectations, and go back to the training methods that worked initially. With consistency and patience, most dogs quickly get back on track.
Remember what one expert says: “Puppy brains are still developing, so their training will not always be reliable during this period. Just take a step back or two in their house training, stick to the basics that worked initially, and you should be back on track soon.”
Has your puppy experienced potty training regression? What worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
P.S. If you’re still struggling after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Sometimes an outside perspective can make all the difference!
Reward them when they get it right
If they pee or poop – throw a huge party, lots of praise, give them a treat and then head back indoors. Do this every time! Really make their tail wag, so they know they did a good job.
What is Puppy Potty Training Regression?
A puppy potty training regression is when a puppy that has been clean inside for a while starts to have accidents indoors again. Understanding the causes of puppy potty training regressions is key to getting them back on track.
HAS YOUR DOG REGRESSED WITH POTTY TRAINING?
FAQ
Is it common for puppies to regress in potty training?
While potty training regression is unpleasant, the behavior is actually a common issue. Many owners report their older puppies regressing to an earlier phase of their house training abilities between four months to one year of age. Elderly dogs often struggle with incontinence, too.
How long does potty training regression last?
What age do puppies regress in training?
You won’t expect a 2 year old dog to have any ressession in training. It is a known fact that between something like 8 – 12 months is when puppy’s will regress in their training because they’re testing how much they can get away with. Its important to reinforce training during this time and to be consistent.
Why is my puppy suddenly peeing in the house again?