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Why Is My 14-week-old Puppy Still Peeing In The House?

Why Is My 14-week-old Puppy Still Peeing In The House?

It’s normal for a 14-week-old puppy to still have accidents, as they are still learning bladder control. However, if your puppy is frequently peeing in the house, it may indicate the need for more training, patience, or adjustments.

Here are common reasons why this could happen, along with solutions…

Incomplete Potty Training

  • Reason – At 14 weeks, puppies are still learning routines. They may not fully understand where and when they should go.
  • Solution
    • Stick to a consistent potty schedule (every 2–3 hours, after meals, and after naps).
    • Take your puppy to the same spot outside to pee, and reward them immediately after they go.

Bladder Control Isn’t Fully Developed

  • Reason: Puppies’ bladders are small, and at 14 weeks, they can usually hold it for only 3–4 hours.
  • Solution
    • Avoid leaving the puppy unsupervised for long periods. Use a crate or playpen to prevent accidents when you can’t watch them.
    • Take them out more frequently, especially after excitement, meals, or drinking water.

Confusing Signals or Inconsistent Training

  • Reason – If the puppy isn’t sure what’s expected or gets punished for accidents, they may get confused or scared.
  • Solution
    • Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) every time they pee outside. Avoid punishing accidents, as this can make the puppy anxious.
    • Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odor traces that could attract them back to the same spot.

Too Much Freedom Too Soon

  • Reason – If given too much access to the house before they’re trained, puppies may have more accidents.
  • Solution
    • Restrict your puppy’s access to certain rooms until they’re fully trained. Gradually allow more freedom as they improve.

Excitement or Submissive Peeing

  • Reason – Some puppies pee when excited (e.g., during greetings) or anxious.
  • Solution
    • Stay calm during greetings to minimize excitement.
    • Build your puppy’s confidence with training and socialization if they’re peeing out of anxiety.

Medical Issues

  • Reason – Health problems like a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder problems, or excessive water consumption could cause frequent accidents.
  • Solution
    • If accidents are excessive or the puppy strains to urinate, visit your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

How Long Does Potty Training Take?

Most puppies are reliably potty-trained between 4 to 6 months, though some take longer. Consistency is crucial—stick with your routine, and your puppy will eventually learn.

If your puppy still has frequent accidents by 6 months, it might be worth revisiting your training methods or consulting a trainer.

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