There are few things more frustrating than finding that your dog had an accident in the house. For many dogs this might be a one-off incident. Perhaps they are not feeling well, or were inside for too long without a potty break. However, some dogs do experience a condition called “potty training regression”, whereby your dog reverts back to having accidents inside rather than going out. This can be upsetting, aggravating, and make everyone in the house miserable – but it is important to remember that your dog is not doing it to spite you.
Why it Happens
Dogs might regress in learned behaviors for a number of reasons. The good news is that there are as many ways to get your pup back on track.
- Puppies often regress while potty training. This is in part due to their brains developing as they grow. While the brain is still developing, they might forget their training. As long as you are consistent in your efforts to potty-train, Fido should pick it up again quickly.
- A big household change may also trigger potty training regression. These events might include moving to a new household, having a baby, or getting a new pet. Animals love routine, so anything that shifts their daily routine will cause them stress. This stress can then cause them to “forget” their housetraining behavior.
- Medical issues can also cause some potty-training regression. Some common issues include urinary tract infections, incontinence , inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or dementia. These issues have accompanying symptoms other than accidents, but if you are concerned it’s never a bad idea to visit your veterinarian. Many of these issues can be diagnosed through bloodwork or urine testing; and while not all of them are easy to treat, it can give you some peace of mind to rule serious medical issues out.
- Many dogs have their favorite person in the household, the one they follow around or sleep with at night. If that person leaves, even for a short while, it can trigger potty training issues. If your dog already suffers from separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications for when you’re away. Another approach that might help ease their stress is hiring a sitter to stay at home with your pup while you are away instead of taking them to a kennel.
What to Do
When potty training regression happens, the best approach is to go back to the basics!
- The number one rule is never to yell at your dog for having an accident.
- Do not shove their face in it or otherwise intimidate them. This will only make your dog scared of you and therefore less likely to listen.
- Clean up any messes with products designed to eliminate pet odors–if their scent lingers, they are more likely to have an accident there.
- When you notice the accident, bring your pup’s attention to it and immediately take them outside. If it’s poop, pick up and take it outside with you and put it in the area they go potty to help remind them where is acceptable.
- Establish a routine of frequent breaks to prevent accidents and work on extending the time between breaks as the number of accidents decreases.
Although some issues can be rectified easily, others may require a bit more time and patience. You can rely on the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training to assist with any training or classes you may need. If you live in Sarasota or Bradenton and need a great trainer, give us a call!
