Potty training

[Jeanine Bandini]

Wally is 4 and 1/2 months old now. We have had him for 5 weeks. Is it reasonable to think he should be potty trained by now? He was doing great and so we gave him a little more freedom (playing time off leash in the kitchen area after he "goes" outside) and he started having accidents. HELP!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

He is still young. I made that mistake with Izzy and Lucca and they had accidents in the other rooms. They were initially gated in the kitchen and back to the kitchen they went!! After having Izzy, (#2 dood) I realized that they need that limited space to be able to control themselves. I think it becomes overwhelming for them to be in a larger space at least while they're young. They are so excited they forget that they have to pee!!! Their bladders and THEY need to mature a little more. Give it time....your carpet or floor will thank you:)

[Bonnie and Kona]

I think you are at the most frustrating stage and right before the point that he is going to be reliable. We foolishly assumed Owen was ready for more freedom too soon and had to shrink down his area for a little longer. Because you got him when he was older he has had less time to learn the ropes. It will happen very soon. Hang in there.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think the puppies have to learn that other rooms in the house are part of their extended den.  I played on the floor in the living room with Riley to get this message across.  I also lifted the rugs which were pee magnets.  He will be five months on Sunday and we haven't had an accident in seven weeks now.  I did think it was going to take longer but it just clicked and we haven't looked back.  I kept reminding myself that every accident was my fault for not being more vigilant.  

I think it will work for you and I think that coming to you a little older may have just made it that little bit harder.  They say that  some puppies aren't completely reliable until they are six months old.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Wally is still young and you have received some good advice so far.  I would like to add that if Wally is having accidents not long after going potty outside.  It is possible he could have a bladder or yeast infection. 

[Jeanine Bandini]

Thanks for the advice! He peed about 25 minutes after I took him out to pee (and he did). That seems too soon to me (as the trainer said to take him out every 2 hours)! Does that sound right to you?

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Some puppies have to go every 1/2 hour until they learn to control their bladder and every dog is different.  I would say go back to the way you were doing it and see if he stops having accidents.  Every 2 hours may be two long for him though.  If he continues to have accidents after switching back I would have the vet check him to be safe.