If Your Puppy Isn't Potty-Trained By This Age, It's Time To Start Looking For Answers

Most pups master potty-training by about 6 months old — so if yours isn't, there could be more to the story. By this age, most puppies have developed enough bladder control to follow a steady routine. Of course, this doesn't mean they'll never have an accident — even adult dogs sometimes slip up — but you should start seeing reliable patterns between potty breaks. Do note, though, that small breeds may take longer because of their equally smaller bladders, so potty-training one often means more frequent outdoor trips because they can't hold it as long. 

For any dog still having regular accidents after this stage, the cause might be as simple as an inconsistent schedule or as complex as an undiagnosed health condition. Moreover, dog potty-training can take a while to complete, and disruptions to that rhythm can set progress back. As such, identifying the reason early helps you correct the problem before it becomes a habit that's much harder to change.

When house-training takes longer than expected, it's often a matter of clarity, not stubbornness. Puppies thrive when there's a dependable schedule, so establishing a routine for sleeping, feeding, and potty breaks helps them feel secure and learn faster. But even with the best routine, other factors can cause setbacks.

Sometimes, the real roadblock comes from your puppy's health, not the training itself. Health problems such as a urinary tract infection can trigger recurring accidents, even in a dog that understands the rules. The irritation creates a constant urge to go, making it difficult to wait for the next bathroom break. Digestive issues, parasites, or bladder control problems can also lead to setbacks.

But health isn't the only factor to watch. Emotional well-being plays a big role, too. Dog anxiety can cause regression, particularly after big changes like a move or the presence of a new family member. Stress can temporarily undo hard-earned habits, leading to accidents indoors. Often, physical and emotional factors work together to set training back, so solving the problem means caring for their whole wellbeing, not just focusing on the training routine.

House-training setbacks can leave any dog owner feeling discouraged, but a pause in progress doesn't mean all your hard work is gone — sometimes, it's a sign to slow down and return to the basics. For some, that means crate-training puppies to re-establish good habits. This method encourages them to wait until it's time to go outside, while also creating a safe, predictable space. Going back to familiar, foundational steps after a setback can boost a pup's confidence and help them get back on track.

Once you've restarted the training process, be sure to remove anything that could cause setbacks again. Preventing repeat accidents is just as important as building new habits. Cleaning carpet stains with an enzyme-based solution removes lingering odors that might tempt your puppy to return to the same spot, making it easier for them to succeed in a controlled space. During retraining, limit their access to a smaller indoor area and expand it gradually as they stay accident-free.

If you still see little improvement after a few weeks, review when to take your dog to the vet to rule out medical issues. Once health concerns are addressed, a trainer can help fine-tune the final steps toward success.