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My 7-month-old puppy won't potty train. How can I stop accidents?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 1 day old

I really need help! I can't potty train my 7 month old puppy I've tried puppy pads but I found out those were no good that they were actually confusing her so I stop using them so for the past 4 months I've bee taking her outside to go potty but she'll come inside run somewhere, where nobody can touch her than she goes on the floor she pooped and peeped in my bed 2 nights ago and last night she pooped in the family room and today she did it again I really need help I don't know what to do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

I'm sorry Penelope is being so troublesome. With some dogs you have to keep them strictly confined until potty trained. She should either be in a crate or on a leash attached to a person even in the house. Take her out multiple times a day and praise her when she goes. Feed her set meals at set times and always take her outside right after eating or waking up. But if she doesnt go outside keep her on a leash so you can grab her quickly and run outside if she tries to go in the house. Some articles that may help http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2421&S=1&SourceID=47 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 15th, 2022

    It sounds like you might need to go back to a routine as if she was a very young, 8-12 week old puppy until she can prove she is able to hold her potty and stop eliminating in the house. This means leashed walks outside every 1-2 hours, after eating or drinking, after playing, and right after waking up and before bed. When you can't supervise her, crate training or blocking off her access to the rest of the house with baby gates is best to keep her from getting to areas (like under your bed) where she can potty. An enzymatic cleaner can also be used to help remove urine stains and the smell that may be attracting her there. When you are able to supervise, I recommend using the tether method of training. This means attaching Roxie to a leash and to your waistband where oyu can monitor her at all times. If you get up, she goes with you, if you sit down, she sits too. That way, if you notice her starting to sniff or squat you can quickly stop her and get her outside (where you can then praise her with a favorite treat if she finishes there). You also want to make going potty outside the best thing ever. Hot dogs, pieces of lunchmeat, the happiest praise on earth - every time she goes outside successfully. I'm attaching a few articles that may also be helpful! https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-housetraining-mistakes/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-tips-to-potty-train-your-dog-young-and-old/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/new-dog-survival-guide-tips-for-training/

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