Fixing Common Potty Training Issues

Monday, March 21, 2022 12:55:14 PM America/Los_Angeles

Another day, another pee puddle. Sometimes, it can feel like there’s no light at the end of the potty training tunnel when the same issues keep occurring. Feeling pooped out about potty accidents? Read on to learn more about common potty training issues and how to resolve them once and for all! 

Photo by Mia Anderson

Repeated Accidents in the Same Location

One of the most common issues that new dog pawrents face during potty training is dealing with accidents that reoccur in the same area. Dogs are creatures of habit and it will take some work to convince them to alter their behavior. Luckily, an effective urine remover can deter dogs from using the same place over and over. Canines are guided by smell, and eliminating their odor from the area is essential for preventing your doggo from continuing to use your kitchen corner as their own personal bathroom. You may even consider using a Potty Training Boost spray to help redirect your furry lil’ troublemaker.                           

Not Asking to Be Let Out in Time

Humans tend to underestimate how much a dog needs to know in order to tell their owners to open the door. Pups don’t automatically know how and what to signal when they have to “go”. Teach your pooch a single cue such as scratching or tapping on the door so that they know what to do and you know what they’re trying to say. 

If you have a younger or older dog who’s having trouble holding it in until you let them out, an indoor dog bathroom like Bark Potty can be strategically placed next to the door so that your fur baby has a place to go nearby in case they aren’t able to hold it. 

Going Potty in the Crate 

Crates are commonly used by dog pawrents for potty training, because canines are less inclined to use their resting area as a dog bathroom. Part of effective crate training is making the crated area as cozy as possible to discourage your furry one from going potty inside the space. Just as humans prefer not to use their bed or couch as a bathroom, dogs similarly will try not to soil a space that they’ve designated as their resting area. For successful crate training, make it a happy place that is comfy like a bedroom and never use it as a place of punishment.  

Peeing on Plants or Other Vertical Surfaces

Dogs are inherently drawn to natural, vertical surfaces like house plants because they resemble what canines would typically mark in the wild. It only makes sense that plants (or other vertical surfaces) inside the house are used for the very same reason that they’re used for in the great outdoors. Consider utilizing a preventive spray to keep pups from marking the same spot.  

Accidents When Home Alone

Any of the above reasons (and more) can contribute to accidents that happen when your furry one is left home alone. In addition, separation anxiety can increase the likelihood of leaks or even full on potty accidents indoors. Make a pee pad readily available so that your fur baby has a place to go potty even when you’re not around.