Puppy Potty Training & Regression

Puppy potty training requires patience, understanding and love. It should always be done with a kind heart. Scolding or hitting the puppy will only cause it to feel fear and possibly slow down the entire training process. A puppy responds to positive reinforcement and praise. Even a puppy that appears to have learned toilet training well can have a regression due to a variety of factors. The owner will need to figure out the reason for the regression and than address it so the puppy gets back on track in the potty training process.

  1. Regression Reasons

    • A puppy will often suffer regression in potty training when there is even a slight deviation from its schedule. To successfully toilet train a puppy, a schedule must be established and held. The puppy depends on going outside at designated times and its body actually adjusts itself to the rhythm. Other factors that can cause regression are adding a new pet to the home, adding a baby to the house, moving to a new home or taking the puppy to a new area of the yard to eliminate.

    Begin Again

    • Once the dog begins to show signs of regressing in potty training, begin the entire training process all over again. Set a schedule and maintain it. Offer ample praise and treats when the puppy successfully potties outside. Show the puppy kindness and understanding because it can sense emotions well. Negativity towards the puppy for having accidents in the house can cause the regression to get worse as the puppy seeks out places to hide its elimination needs within the house out of embarrassment or a feeling of being ashamed of its actions.

    Cleaning

    • Any area that the puppy has eliminated on within the house must be thoroughly cleaned using an odor neutralizer. Pet odor neutralizers can be purchased at pet stores or veterinarians. Even when a human cannot smell the odor any longer a puppy can still smell it. The dog will return to the place that it has urinated on again and again if the odor is not successfully removed or neutralized.

    Medical Considerations

    • On rare occasions the puppy may be suffering from an illness which causes the potty training regression to occur. A dog often hides its pain or suffering from its owner. A dog with a kidney or urinary tract problem may not be able to hold its urine so it will relieve itself in inappropriate places within the house. If the puppy has a gastric intestinal situation such as worms, it may defecate within the house. If the regression behavior continues the puppy should be taken to a veterinarian for a complete physical.

    Praise and Reward

    • If the puppy is caught in the act of eliminating within the house promptly scold it by saying, "no." Carry the puppy outside and wait for it to successfully potty in its designated place. When it does relieve itself offer praise and an edible reward for its good behavior.