Ask a Trainer - My puppy goes outside, but then comes inside and pees! Help!
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"Hi Sarah, Puppy is now 4 months old. I'm really having a problem with him peeing in my house, he will go outside and come in and pee right under me or beside me. We have checked for medical conditions no infections. Can you give me some idea as to why this is happening?"
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Hi! Thanks for asking and writing in.
You'll probably be happy to know you're not along - this is actually a very common house training problem!
It happens because puppies are puppies, and they get distracted easily. They go outside and get excited by everything, and forget to go potty. They then come in remember their bladder had a need, and pee wherever they are.
Provided you have checked with your vet to ensure there are no health issues like a UTI, try the following to troubleshoot this:
- When he needs to go outside to potty, always go out with him.
- Take him out on leash, and take him to the same spot.
- Don't walk around much, let him stay in the same area. If you walk around a lot, they get excited and distracted more easily.
- Stay calm and gently encourage him to "go potty/go pee" - don't be too excited as you'll distract him further.
- It may take 10-15 minutes for him to go. be patient
- When he does go have a party, play with him and give a few treats and let him run around
- If he does NOT go, don't let him free in the house. Instead, pop him into his crate inside for 10 mins then try again. Repeat until he potties outside. Freedom in the house is earned with an empty bladder!
It takes a little patience at this stage but you have to reprogram him to go outside and empty right away and that makes the party happen! Another thing to note it sometimes it takes young males longer to get the brain-bladder connection, but the system is the same for house training.
Good luck, and happy training!