Why do Dogs go Through Potty Training Regression?
You believed your dog had mastered house training. Your living space remained spotless, those bothersome late-night restroom trips seemed like a thing of the past, and you relished every moment of being a dog owner... until your beloved four-legged companion began having accidents indoors again. According to Animal Wellness Magazine, it's frequently a problem for young dogs between the ages of 4 months and 1 year.
Though experiencing a setback in potty training can be exasperating, it is a situation that can be resolved with the correct strategy. Take a moment to relax and continue reading! Here's a guide on addressing the issue of your mature puppy or fully grown adult dog urinating and defecating indoors.
What is potty training regression?
Potty training regression occurs when a previously house-trained dog, who had successfully demonstrated the ability to control their bladder and bowels at regular intervals, suddenly reverts to using the indoors as a bathroom. These unexpected accidents can have specific triggers (which will be discussed in the next section) or appear to happen without any apparent reason.
It's worth noting that while potty training regression can be frustrating, it is a relatively common behavior. Many dog owners have reported their older puppies returning to an earlier stage of house training, anywhere from four months to one year. Additionally, elderly dogs may face challenges related to incontinence.
In essence, most pet parents have encountered some degree of house training regression at one point or another, and the good news is that it can be overcome. You've got this!
What causes potty-training regression?
Common explanations for puppy potty training regression include brain development, small bladders, and stress/anxiety.
Common explanations for older dogs” potty training regression include urinary tract infections, big life transitions, and stress/anxiety.
For youthful dogs: Did you increase your house training criteria too soon?
Usually, puppies can hold their bladders for one hour for every month of age. A four-month-old puppy usually can wait four hours while a six-month-old puppy can do six and so on, up to the 8-10 hours we might expect from an adult dog.
This is just a guideline, though:
Small breeds have tinier bladders and higher metabolisms than large breeds do. Due to this, they might need more frequent bathroom breaks (even more often than one hour for every month of their age).
Some dog’s brains and bodies develop more slowly than others. If you’ve been consistently increasing the time between your dog’s bathroom breaks without waiting for them to succeed at the previous level, you might be moving too quickly.
For youthful dogs: Have you been inconsistent with your potty training process?
It’s also possible that you’ve recently given your canine some mixed signals — or perhaps missed a few regular restroom breaks — resulting in them feeling confused about when and where they should go.
Don’t worry: This doesn’t mean you’re doing a lousy job. Owning a canine is a lot of work, and mistakes happen to the best of us!
Just take a few moments to think about your house training routine. Is everyone in your household on the same page? Is there a chance you haven’t noticed signals that your canine needs to go out? You might need to clean up your communication.
For dogs of all ages: Could your dog have a medical issue like a urinary tract infection?
Even if your canine has successfully practiced holding their bladder and bowels for months, an unforeseen illness might prevent them from waiting until they’re outside. This is especially likely if they’ve soiled their bed or favorite resting spot since canines don’t like to use the bathroom where they rest.
Common health causes of house training mishaps include:
Urinary tract infections
Kidney or bladder stones
Bladder inflammation
Kidney disease
Genital skin infections
Diabetes
Gastrointestinal upset
Inflammatory bowel disease
Canine cognitive dysfunction in older dogs (often called “doggy dementia”)
If you think your dog might be suffering from any of the above, contact your vet immediately! When toilet training regression happens to an adult canine (older than a year) with no other apparent variables, there’s a good chance it’s driven at least in part by medical issues.
For dogs of all ages: Has your pet endured any significant life transitions?
Stress can affect our canine’s bodies, making it more difficult for them to regulate their nervous systems, process new information, and control their bladder and bowels.
Your canine might be feeling overwhelmed if you’ve recently:
Moved into a new house
Changed your work schedule
Brought another pet home
Experienced a sudden change in season
Lost a family member
Or so on
In these instances, our canines aren’t using the bathroom indoors to “annoy us” — they’re just confused and uncertain.
You should be able to clear up their accidents quickly by:
Getting back to a consistent routine.
Providing appropriate enrichment activities to alleviate stress
Building their confidence through training and play.
For dogs of all ages: Are your pet’s accidents connected to other behavioral problems like anxiety?
Occasionally, our dogs experience chronic mental health struggles. Separation anxiety, past trauma, and more can contribute to house training challenges.
Has your canine recently had an intense, dreadful experience? Perhaps they were attacked on a walk or accidentally left alone for too long while you dealt with another emergency. Are there any new stimuli in their regular bathroom spots? Have they been startled by inclement weather while trying to go outside?
If you think long-term anxiety could cause your canine’s potty training regression, don’t worry — you’re not alone! Consider setting up an appointment with a certified vet behaviorist to evaluate your next steps.
Eliminate the scent of past accidents
Dogs naturally tend to relieve themselves in areas where they've done so before. This explains why many adult pets opt to urinate and defecate in the same spot in their yard or along their regular walking route each day. It's also why a single instance or two of accidents inside your home can rapidly multiply if not appropriately handled.
It's crucial to clean up all restroom mishaps using an enzymatic cleaner meticulously. These specialized enzymes effectively eliminate any remnants of previous markings. Since urine can emit a potent and enduring odor perceptible to our dogs, standard soap and water won't suffice.
FAQs
What causes potty-training regression in dogs?
Potty training regression in dogs can occur due to various reasons, including stress from changes in their environment, the introduction of a new sibling, or other situations that may cause anxiety or confusion.
How can I tell if my potty-trained dog is experiencing regression?
Signs of potty training regression may include sudden accidents indoors, a refusal to use their designated spot, or asking to go outside more frequently.
What are common triggers for potty training regression in dogs?
Changes like a new household member (human or pet), shifting routines, emotional stress, or even medical issues can trigger regression in a previously potty-trained dog.
How can I help my dog get back on track with potty training?
Providing consistent positive reinforcement, re-establishing routines, using training aids like training pads or crates, and seeking advice from a veterinarian can be beneficial in addressing potty training regression.
Are there specific methods or training tools that can aid in handling potty training regression?
Techniques like retraining, maintaining a strict schedule, using training aids like training pants or implementing reward systems (like sticker charts), might help in addressing potty-training regression in dogs.
What should I avoid while dealing with my dog's potty training regression?
Avoid punishment, as it can exacerbate the issue. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the regression.
When should I seek professional help for my dog's potty training regression?
If your dog's regression persists despite consistent efforts, or if you suspect a medical issue contributing to the problem, consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer is recommended.
Can certain changes or transitions trigger potty training regression in dogs?
Yes, situations like changes in routine, introduction of new caregivers, moving to a new place, or disruptions in a familiar environment can potentially lead to potty-training regression in dogs.
What role does stress play in causing potty training regression in dogs?
Stress, whether due to a new situation, a medical problem, or emotional changes, can significantly impact a dog's ability to maintain their potty-training habits.
Are there strategies to prevent potty training regression in dogs?
Consistency in training, providing a stable environment, regular vet check-ups, and addressing any behavioral or medical issues promptly can reduce the likelihood of potty-training regression in dogs.
