Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My 4-month-old puppy poops inside. How can I stop this habit?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 8 days old | 3 lbs

When I take my 4 month old puppy outside, he pees but doesn't always poop, instead when we bring him back inside, he looks for a spot to poop inside, how can I break this habit?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Andrea

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Housebreaking puppies can be tough, especially the little guys. With Leo, what I recommend is that when you take him outsid, you go out with him, use a leash if he can’t stay focused and give him 5 minutes to go. Keep saying, Go Potty! or whatever command you want. If he goes, tell him, Yes! And give him treats outside immediately. It’s important to mark that behavior you want. Now, if Leo doesn’t go. Bring him back in and do one of the following- put him in the crate for a bit, carry him around, or leave him on his leash and hold onto him. The trick is to not let him out of your sight or have him in a crate. This is important! Then wait a 5-10 minutes and take him out again. Repeat until he goes. If he stays to go inside, clap your hands, say NO. and take him right out. Reward him profusely when he does go outside. The key is not to let him have an accident inside by watching him like a hawk!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I’m sorry to hear about Leo! Housetraininf can be a frustrating part of puppyhood. The trick here is repetition and patience. It sounds like Leo consistently goes poop after his pee/walk so this helps you with timing. I would take him out, let him pee and walk, and then extend the walk by 5-10 minutes. If he does his business outside, praise him quietly while he’s going, and more enthusiastically when he finishes. If he still won’t go outside (likely), come in as usual. As soon as he starts putting his nose to the ground, circling, etc. pick him up and go directly outside. Wait 5-10 minutes outside and try variations of walking or staying in a small area. You may have to do this many times in a row until he finally gets the idea poops outside. Be as diligent as possible but if iou happen to catch him pooping inside, carry him immediately outside and praise him lavishly -even if most or all of the poop ended up in your home. If you didn’t catch him in the act, scolding will not do anything and may in fact make him scared to poop in front of you -which is definitely the opposite of what you want. All this is admittedly annoying, but generally works well within a few days to weeks. Hang in there and hope this helps! Best of luck to you and Leo!

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored