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It’s one of those moments every dog owner dreads—discovering a wet spot on the floor, long after your dog has had an accident.

It happens to the best of us, but there’s no need to panic.

This blog will walk you through the steps of what to do if your dog pees indoors and you didn’t catch them in the act.

Remember, it’s all about staying calm, reacting appropriately, and taking steps to prevent future accidents.

Why Yelling Won’t Help

First things first, yelling at your dog after the fact won’t work.

Dogs live in the moment, and unless you catch them in the act, they won’t understand why they’re being scolded.

They may become confused or anxious, which can make potty training even harder.

Instead, focus on positive reinforcement when they go outside.

Cleaning Up the Right Way

When your dog pees indoors, it’s important to clean the spot thoroughly to avoid repeat accidents.

Use a high-quality enzyme cleaner specifically designed to break down urine proteins.

Regular household cleaners might not be enough to eliminate the scent, and your dog could return to the same spot to relieve themselves again.

Scrubbing well with an enzymatic cleaner ensures the scent is fully neutralized.

How to Spot the Signs for Next Time

Learning to spot when your dog needs to go out is crucial to avoiding accidents.

Typical signs include:

  1. Sniffing the floor

  2. Circling a specific area

  3. Suddenly stopping play

  4. Looking anxious or heading toward the door

Whenever you see any of these signs, it’s time to take your dog outside right away.

The faster you respond, the more you reinforce the idea that outside is the right place to go.

Setting a Routine

A consistent schedule is essential in potty training. Take your dog outside at regular intervals, like every 2-3 hours. Also, establish key times for bathroom breaks, such as:

  1. First thing in the morning

  2. After meals

  3. After naps

  4. Before bedtime

Consistency is key. Over time, your dog will begin to anticipate bathroom breaks and hold it until they are taken outside.

 

Relieving Stress and Anxiety

Some dogs may have accidents indoors due to stress or anxiety, especially in new environments or during stressful situations (like thunderstorms or fireworks).

To reduce this:

  1. Provide a calm and safe space for your dog.

  2. Engage them in interactive toys or puzzles to alleviate anxiety.

  3. Consider calming treats if the anxiety is severe.

Being patient with your dog in these moments is crucial. By providing them with comfort, you can help reduce accidents triggered by stress.

Avoiding Common Potty Training Mistakes

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  1. Waiting too long to take your dog out: Young puppies especially can’t hold their bladder for long. Frequent trips outside are necessary in the early stages.

  2. Not using a cue: A verbal cue like “go potty” can help your dog understand what you want them to do. Use it consistently each time you take them outside.

  3. Punishing after the fact: As mentioned earlier, punishment doesn’t help and can harm your dog’s understanding of what’s expected. Stick to positive reinforcement.

Conclusion

Accidents happen, but with patience, observation, and the right training techniques, you can significantly reduce indoor potty incidents.

For more helpful dog training tips, fun dog tricks, sales on pet products, recipes for homemade dog treats, and so much more, sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Let’s make pet parenthood as joyful and stress-free as possible!

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