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Why won't my puppy potty in the bathroom? He waits until outside!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 7 days old

How to potty train my puppy in the bathroom? Everytime i sit with him for awhile in the bathroom, he cries and pretends that he doesn't want to do his stuff (by lying and sleeping) and just seconds after i release him from the bathroom, he pees or poops outside the bathroom. Help please, i don't know what's wrong and I'm really disappointed with that.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on January 8th, 2018

Because you are spending time with him in the bathroom, he thinks this is part of his "home," and has actually housebroken himself not to do his business there! This is why he goes as soon as you let him out . . . he's been holding it, thinking he's doing the right thing. (By the way, dogs don't "pretend" like humans do.) Try going into the bathroom with him on a leash. After a minute or two, walk out the bathroom door. If he starts to go, tell him "NO!" and take him back into the bathroom. Stand there with him until he goes, using a phrase like "go potty,." Sooner or later, he'll have to relieve himself. Keep saying "Go potty! GOOD DOG!"

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  • Image profile

    Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Sorry--question ended before I did! After he's finished, leave the bathroom. You may have to do this several times before he gets the idea. For further assistance, just click on the prompt to initiate a consult. Good luck!

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