Mostly potty trained pup pees once weekly indoors

[Mark Bergman]

We’ve had our eight month old, neutered male rescue dog for just about four weeks and have gotten pretty adept at reading his “I have to pee/poop now” signals. He does not lift his leg. We were told he was mostly housebroken when we got him.

The first couple of days we had him he wouldn’t pee or poop outdoors-we attributed that to his being overwhelmed and/or intimidated by all of the other dogs and new sights/smells in our urban neighborhood.

After those first few days, however, he has become  comfortable with eliminating outdoors, and willing to spread the wealth in an increasingly large radius from our home.

However, once a week, he now pees inside the house, not in the same place, seemingly without any notice, not attempting to hide, and within a few feet of us.

Is this just a matter of him suddenly realizing he really has to go and not being able to hold it in?

We are guessing he’ll grow out if this, but any suggestions for helping him along would be welcomed.

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

An 8-month-old, recently adopted rescue dog is still very much in the adolescent stage, where housetraining “hiccups” are common. Even if he was reported to be “mostly housebroken,” the transition to a new home, schedule, and environment often means some relearning is necessary.

The fact that he initially wouldn’t eliminate outdoors (due to stress/adjustment), and then gained confidence and now reliably pees/poops outside, but has occasional, seemingly random indoor urinations suggests this is not a deep-seated  house soiling problem, but rather a mix of adjustment, incomplete bladder control at his age, and possibly lapses in communication between him and his new family.

 At 8 months, most dogs can “hold it,” but accidents still happen, especially if distracted or excited. It is also possible thar he may not yet fully understand that inside is never appropriate, especially in a brand-new home where the “rules” differ from his past environment. Maybe excitement, changes in routine, or mild anxiety can cause sudden urination indoors as well.

Important is also to rule out medical problems, this is less likely given the frequency (once a week), but urinary tract infection, stones, or congenital issues should be ruled out if the pattern worsens. If accidents therefore  increase, or if you notice straining, blood in urine, or frequent small urinations, a veterinary exam and urinalysis are essential.

1. For now, I would treat him like a younger puppy which means more freuqntly  (after meals, naps, play, first thing in morning, last thing at night) and always rewarding when he eliminates outdoors—praise, treats, play. Timing is critical. If you can’t supervise directly, use a crate, pen, or gated area to prevent “opportunities.” Keep him near you on a leash indoors during higher-risk times so you can catch pre-elimination signals.

2. If you see him start indoors, calmly interrupt and immediately take him outside. Reward if he finishes outside.

3. Avoid punishment—it can cause him to hide urination or become anxious.

4. Note what’s happening before the weekly accident: time since last walk, activity level, visitors, play. You may discover a trigger (e.g., long gap, excitement, or distraction).

I hope this helps!

Happy training!

[Mark Bergman]

That’s very helpful. Thanks very much.

[Adrienne]

You are very welcome, keep up the great work!