From our Bonnies Dog Obedience and Puppy School perspective, this is one of the most asked questions we get. Hey my puppy had learned to go potty outside but now he comes in and wees (I’s) or poos (2s) behind the couch - or, he comes in and then looks at me while he is peeing. OMG it is driving me crazy. Within this article written by Master Puppy Trainer Peter Bonney, we will look at why puppies or dog's choose the wrong place to wee, whether from a playful puppy, a house trained adult dog, or an aging senior (Dog not human), is a common but solvable problem. If you’ve been asking yourself questions like “Why is my dog peeing in the house all of a sudden?” or “How can I stop my dog from peeing inside?”—you’re not alone.
This short guide will address the reasons behind this behavior, answer your most-searched questions - but maybe not all of them, and provide actionable training-focused solutions to stop accidents and prevent them from happening again. There are some good trainers around the world so make sure you research the one you need to be working with. Talk to them and let them know what is happening. There can be multiple reasons for this behaviour but it can also be as simple as - “I’m not going outside - it’s COLD”. I have tried to break down into different areas and headings to make it easy for you to find the info. There may be some overlap of knowledge. Smile and have an excellent day. Peter
SO - "Why Does My Dog Wee in the House?" “Why is my dog peeing in the house all of a sudden?” or “How can I stop my dog from peeing inside?”
When dogs pee in the house, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right—whether it’s a medical issue, a behavioral problem, or simply a training gap.
Puppies: Often wee inside because they’re still learning or don’t have full bladder control. This is very normal in the first few weeks you have them at home.
Adult Dogs: May start peeing inside suddenly due to stress, marking, or medical conditions.
Senior Dogs: Can experience accidents because of aging-related issues, such as incontinence or cognitive decline.
The key is identifying the root cause and then addressing it with a consistent plan.
Adult Dogs: Why Is My Toilet-Trained Dog Suddenly Weeing in the House?
If your previously house trained adult dog starts peeing in the house, it’s often due to one of three reasons.
1. Medical Issues
Adult dogs may experience sudden accidents due to urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, kidney disease, or diabetes. Other causes include incontinence or arthritis, which can make it hard for them to get outside in time.
Solution: If your dog’s accidents are sudden or frequent, consult your vet to rule out medical problems.
2. Behavioral Causes
Stress and Anxiety: Changes like moving, new pets, or loud noises (e.g., fireworks) can unsettle your dog.
Marking Behavior: Male and female dogs may mark their territory indoors if there are new scents, people, or pets in the home.
Solution:
Address the source of stress (e.g., provide a calm environment during fireworks).
Thoroughly clean marked areas with enzymatic cleaners.
3. Environmental Changes
Dogs are sensitive to weather, and many dislike going outside in rain, snow, or extreme cold. I know - I hate going out into the snow unless I havbe all the gear on. Happily we dont have an outside toilet anymore. We used to.
Solution: Use a sheltered potty area or dress your dog in a coat to encourage outdoor potty breaks.
Senior Dogs: Helping Older Dogs Who Pee Inside.
As dogs age, they may struggle with accidents due to -
Incontinence: Weak bladder muscles can cause leaks.
Cognitive decline: Senior dogs may forget their housetraining.
Arthritis or mobility issues: Pain can make it hard for them to reach the door.
How to Help Senior Dogs:
Use doggie diapers or belly bands.
Provide ramps or easier access to potty areas.
Consult your vet for medications or supplements to support their health.
Why Is My Male Dog Peeing in the House All of a Sudden?
Male dogs may be more prone to marking particularly when not desexed than a female, but sudden accidents can also be caused by medical or stress-related factors. Desexing may help reduce marking behavior—speak to your vet for advice.
Training your dog to stop peeing indoors takes patience, consistency, and understanding. Whether you’re working with a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior, the key is to establish routines, use positive reinforcement, and address any underlying issues.
Smile, stay positive, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this!
Puppy Training: Teaching Your Puppy to go to the toilet Outside.
Training a puppy to toilet outside is all about creating clear, consistent habits that set them up for success. At Bonnies, we recommend a combination of routine, reinforcement, and using specific tools like leashes and commands to help puppies understand where and when to go. We have more complete articles on Toilet traing puppies. For a lot more info on Toilet Training Click HERE.
Why Do Puppies Pee in the House?
Puppies may pee indoors for the following reasons:
Lack of bladder control: Puppies under 3 months old physically can’t hold their bladder for too long. Generally a puppy can hold their bladder after 3.5 months - 14 weeks of age. We don't let young puppies drink a lot of water before bed. A minimum of 2 hours before bed we generally don't let them drink. If they have a medical condition then listen to the Vet and give water as advised by them.
No training routine: Without a clear schedule, puppies won’t learn when and where they’re supposed to potty.
Distractions: Puppies can get excited or overwhelmed, making them forget their training. It is also very true that many puppies have an excited wee. You come home and they are so excited to see you they may have a little pee. This is very normal. In 99% of cases this stops very naturally when the dog ages and becomes a juvenile.
Confusion about location: If they’ve gone in one part of the house, they might think it’s okay to go there again. Yes, and some puppies may even go and hide from you.
Sorry I forgot: Mum or dad has forgotten to take them outside and the puppy could not hold it. Please don't yell at them for your mistake.
How to Train a Puppy to Pee Outside
1. Take Them to the Same Spot Every Time
At Bonnies, we teach our clients to take puppies to the exact same spot for every potty break. Why? It creates clarity for the puppy. By consistently using one area, your puppy learns, “This is my toilet—not the rest of the yard or the living room.”
Choose a specific area in your yard.
Take your puppy to this spot every time they need to go.
2. Use a “Potty - Toilet Word”
Using a consistent command word is one of the most valuable tools in toilet training. This word signals to your puppy that it’s time to go to the toilet.
At Bonnies, we encourage clients to pick a word—any word works! Some people use “Wee” or “Toilet,” while others go for fun options like “Rainbow,” “Baseball,” or “Fridge.”
Here’s why this is important:
When your dog hears the word, they understand what you’re asking them to do.
It’s especially useful in public places (e.g., Grandma’s house or a coffee shop) where accidents need to be avoided.
How to Train with a Word.
Say the word as you bring your puppy to their potty spot.
Repeat it gently while they sniff around: “Go toilet” or “Baseball.”
Praise them immediately after they go.
Consistency is everything.
3. Leash Training for Potty Breaks
Using a leash during potty training is a game-changer (Click for more), especially for puppies who go outside to the toilet. We also use a leash to avoid the puppy wanting to play a game by running around. You will then - most likely, chase them or get them more excited. Toilet training is not a game. It is also very important when we take our puppy out at night. There may be snakes, toads and other animals in the yard. Remember - working and Sporting dogs may have a higher play or prey drive than a lovely fluffy ball of joy. This higher drive means the puppy or juvenile will - “Want to chase”. Being on leash stops this in its tracks. Ever tried to chase your puppy around the yard at night?
Here’s how it works:
Take your puppy outside on a leash and lead them to their potty spot.
Keep them on the very relaxed leash until they’ve gone - please do not hold the leash like your life depends on it. Relax, a relaxed leash is best.
If they don’t go, bring them back inside—but keep them on the leash for a few minutes to prevent accidents. Then, take them outside again.
Don’t let them trick you. They may even do a little wee so you think they are finished. Then you are happy and tell them they are good. Then they go in the house and we let them off. Then they go again. Use the leash and change the process - gently and with love.
This method helps break the habit of coming back inside to pee and reinforces the idea that outside is for potty time.
4. Reward Success
Puppies thrive on positive reinforcement. When they go to the toilet in the right spot, praise them like they’ve just won an Oscar! Treats, enthusiastic words, or even a quick game with their favorite toy can help reinforce good behavior.
5. Handle Accidents Calmly
Accidents happen—it’s part of the learning process. If your puppy pees inside:
Stay calm. Don’t yell or punish them.
Clean the area immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and prevent repeat accidents.
As a suggestion, mum has always used a little White Vinegar and water mix -90% water and 10% White Vinegar can do the job nicely. USe on carpets etc - always test the mix in a small area first to ensure it does not cause any damage to your rugs or carpets.
Written by Master Puppy Trainer Peter Bonney.
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