The overall potty training process tends to last about four to six months as your puppy physically matures into adolescence. Until your puppy is at least six to eight months old, you'll need to follow a frequent potty break schedule and consistently reward them for going to the bathroom outside.
Puppy Bladder Control Chart
In general, by the time your puppy is 4-6 months old, she should have full control of her bladder (which means you can finally start sleeping through the night again!).
It's probably one of two common reasons. Either you didn't actually potty train your pup or you gave your puppy too much freedom too soon. New dog owners often expect their puppies to housetrain in an unreasonably short amount of time and with little effort.
The best thing to do is to set a routine after something new is introduced. Feed your dog at regular times every day and take him outdoors to potty before or after each meal. He will soon get used to the routine, and the accidents will stop. Also, make sure to give your dog time to adjust to changes.
One of the most common reasons why puppies poop in the house is that they haven't been properly trained. It is important to establish a consistent routine for your puppy and take them outside to go to the toilet frequently.
Like much of their body, a puppy's bladder isn't yet fully developed. Many puppies can only hold their urine for short periods. Frequent accidents could be the result of an overly full bladder, especially if your puppy doesn't yet recognize the importance of going potty in a designated spot or area.
Your dog may be pooping inside because something outdoors scares them or makes them anxious. Some dogs have a more nervous personality, and loud sounds such as vehicles passing by, dogs barking, thunder, people shouting, or other loud noises can contribute to fear and anxiety.
The reason puppies hold on outside and then pee immediately once they get back in is that the house is their happy place and the yard is not. As soon as they come inside, their parasympathetic tone increases and only then do they feel the urge to urinate. Your job is simple in theory: make outside a happy place too.
Sometimes, your dog may ring the bell just to go outside and play. You'll have to reinforce to them that the bell is for potty time. When they ring the bell, put on their leash and take them to the part of the yard where they typically relieve themselves for a few minutes.
Your Pup Still Doesn't Have Full Bladder Control
If your puppy will only pee inside the house, you need to remember that young pups don't have complete control over their bladder. Most puppies aren't able to hold it until they are about 4-6 months old, and this is the time most accidents happen.
Do: Watch the Clock. Give your puppy 15 minutes to do his business. If nothing happens, put him in his crate for another 15 minutes before trying again.
Not only will a vinegar and water solution eliminate urine odor if your dog has already peed on the rug, but it will also deter them from urinating on the same carpet again. The acidic smell of vinegar is known to repel dogs from peeing on area rugs as they do not like the smell of vinegar.
It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully house trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside. Your puppy's previous living conditions are another predictor.
Many (but not all) dogs hate the smell of citrus, so using citrus smells like citronella, lemongrass, lemon, and even bergamot can repel some dogs from an area. You can use these smells in scented candles or sprays to see if it keeps your dog away from an area where you don't want them peeing.
Your Puppy Has A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
When puppies get Urinary Tract Infections they often have difficulty holding their pee. The result: Accident in the house. If you suspect a UTI is the cause of your pup's accidents then visit your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the most common reasons doggos poop or pee inside after walking include medical issues, substrate preferences, and poor potty-training at the outset. Go easy on your dog. House-trained dogs commonly have accidents due to stress, a change in environment, or illness.
If your dog gets stressed when you leave the house, they could have separation anxiety. Signs include scratching at doors and windows, destructive chewing, howling or whining, and going potty inside the house. Different dogs have different reasons for this panicked response. Some aren't used to being alone.
Something that is generally very effective is vinegar – dogs seem to hate the pungent, acrid smell of vinegar, and its application in a few strategic locations may do the job.
Many pups will have an accident in their crate when they can not hold it any longer but what about the dog that actually goes to the bathroom in the crate even when they can hold it for a longer period of time? That dog is not offended by peeing or pooping in its area. That is called Dirty Dog Syndrome!
At 6 months of age he will be able to hold his bladder for 7-8 hours (a work day). No dog of any age should be made to wait longer than 8 hours! Different breeds have different social needs: hounds are extremely social, but some “working” breeds and guard dogs are fine for 10-12 hours.
You should not punish a dog for pooping in the house, aside from a firm “no” if you actually catch your dog in the act. Dogs can't understand the concept of punishment in the same way that humans do. Yelling, hitting, or physically punishing a dog can cause fear, anxiety, and even aggression.
Absent any medical condition or any other exigent circumstances most puppies should be fully potty trained between six (6) months and 18 months, with one (1) year being the average.