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Why is my puppy still having accidents inside at night or when alone?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed

Our puppy is 6 months old and has no problem using the doggy door herself to go outside to the toilet when we are home however when we are out or at night she goes in the house. Have spent weeks taking her out every few hours on command and when she goes we give her a treat but she still goes in the house when no one is home. HELP!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 18th, 2017

Sounds like Millie is still a bit confused about potty training and could benefit from a less confusing routine. If you're not able to take her out, then she should be contained to an area where it is easy to clean up any accidents, or crated so that she can learn to hold it a bit better. When you are home, making sure to praise her when she goes outside using the door, or when you take her out can let her known that is the right thing to do. Puppies generally have to go potty about 15 minutes after waking, playing, eating, or drinking so you can use this to your advantage to time her outings.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 26th, 2018

    I would consider putting him in a crate when you are not at home. This encourages him to learn to hold his irons when you are not home. Most dogs do not want to pee where they sit/sleep so they are more willing to hold it. also, he is still young, so be sure to keep him on a routine. I would not let him eat or drink while you are gone as This can increase his chances of having an accident. I hope this helps! https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/how-to-crate-train-your-dog

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