How To Stop A Dog From Peeing In The House When Left Alone

Your dog usually does really well when you are out there helping him to go potty on time but as soon as you leave the house, things take a turn. Your return to home only to find out that he had done the deed right in the middle of the house.

But remember, your dog is not trying to be spiteful. He is not mad and he’s not even trying to tease you. If he does so, there must be a strong reason behind it.

Let us just walk you through every possible reason and what you can do about it.

Reasons Why Your Dog Is Peeing In The House When Left Alone And What To Do About It?

There are 10 possible reasons that can cause your dog to pee in the house when you are not there, and find out below, what you can do about it.

1- Any Underlying Medical Condition

First thing first, you should rule out if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing him to do so. There are many, for example, UTI, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease, etc.

– What To Do?

See your dog’s vet as soon as possible.

If your dog was previously potty trained but suddenly started to pee in the house, it’s best to see a vet in the first place.

2- There Is A Smell Of Urine Out There

If your dog had a potty accident anywhere around the house, but the mess was not cleaned properly, it may cause him to go there again.

Dogs have a natural instinct to go again to that place where they smell pee.

– What To Do?

Try to notice if there is any certain area where he goes again and again.

You can use a UV flashlight (find on amazon) to find out if there is some mess left.

When you find out, clean that area perfectly with an enzymatic cleaner.

3- It Can Be Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can also hit the dog if you left home all of a sudden.

According to rspca, separation anxiety in dogs can cause them to show destructive behavior, howling, barking, and peeing & pooping in the house.

There are good chances for your puppy to get separation anxiety if you are a primary caretaker of him and you left him alone.

– What To Do?

Here’s what you can do:

See a vet and talk to him about the anxiety
Give him chewing and licking toys when you are gone, licking really helps the dogs to overcome their anxiety.
Set up a pet camera, and say hello to him every now and then. (if you are going to use a camera, make sure that he knows that you are not actually there. Use that device in front of him when you are actually there. So he knows)
Use a treat dispenser and use it to give him the treat to make him feel better.
Use a calming diffuser or calming collar (Available on Amazon)
Give your dog something that he only gets when you are not there to provide him with a positive association with being alone. For example, a toy that he loves should be with him when you are not there but make sure that take that toy back immediately after returning home so that he could associate it with your absence.

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4- He Is Not Fully Potty Trained

It’s true! You must have spent days in potty training him but you might have missed something. Or maybe he was not fully trained to go potty on his own.

He might feel confident to go in your presence but gets confused once you are gone. It’s a sign that he is not yet fully trained.

As we mentioned at the end of this article, you can say that your dog is fully potty trained when he stops having accidents at home, he tells you when he needs to go with some cues like staring at you, or ringing the bell if you have trained him to do so. Or goes by himself for at least 2 weeks.

What To Do?

If that is the case, you must return to the basics and teach him again that how to go potty on the right spot.

Refer to our complete guide to potty train a puppy.

Making sure that there are no hurdles in his way to go potty is another great tip that can help. He might be confused.

5- It Can Be Potty Training Regression

Your puppy might be fully potty trained but he has started peeing and pooping again in the house. It’s called puppy’s potty training regression.

It’s a normal part of a puppy’s development. It is just how their brain develops.

When you are present they are focused on your commands, but when you are gone, they get busy playing and forget their training.

What To Do?

There are several reasons behind this regression.

If your puppy was fully potty trained but somehow returned to the bad habits, refer to this guide to potty training regression, and how to deal with it.

6- Urine Marking Can Be A Problem

Urine marking is a natural behavior of dogs of telling others that this thing belongs to him.

Here’s how you can tell the difference between urine marking and peeing. (opens in a new window).

Briefly, if you find the urine on a new object or find small amounts of urine and the problem is being only with urinations, not with pooping. It’s most likely to be urine marking.

What To Do?

In order to stop urine marking, you have to first find out the reason behind this behavior.

There is a lot to tell about this. All of the information about urine marking is given in this article. (how to tell the difference, reasons, and solutions)

7- You Are Gone For A Long Time

If you are gone for a long time, he might not be able to follow the instructions. Just like if you work full time, it can be harder for both of you.

Even if you are not working full time but you have to leave the home for longer hours, your dog might feel alone and doesn’t know what and how to do anything.

What To Do?

When you are away, make sure to provide him with a “one bath bedroom”. Use a playpen and a crate to do this. You can set up a pet camera with a treat dispenser.

In case of staying away from home for longer hours, you can follow this guide of potty training a puppy when you work full time. There is everything you need to know.

8- You Could Be Making Any Mistakes

If he is your first puppy or you are new to potty training puppies, there are huge chances that you will make any mistake in training him.

You might be providing him with too much freedom, you were not consistent enough, or you were not paying attention to his cues. There are many reasons.

What To Do?

Find out that if you are making any mistakes while potty training your puppy, and fix it.

9- He Is In Stress Or Anxiety

Dogs also go through stress and anxiety. According to vca Hospital, the following are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs:

Shaking or pacing
Barking
Whining
Excessive drooling
Changes in eyes and ears
Shedding
Panting
Hiding or escaping

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms mentioned above, he might be suffering from anxiety.

What To Do?

First thing first, find out the reason for anxiety and beat it. Give your dog licking and chewing toys and see a vet ASAP.

10- You Were Not Patient Enough

This behavior can also be there because of any previous punishment.

If the puppy relieves himself in the house and he gets punished. He will not understand that for what he is being punished.

Next time he will try to hide from you instead of going out and that can be a reason for accidents when you are not there.

What To Do?

In this case, you have to spend more time with your dog and connect with him.

Return to basics and teach him what he is supposed to do. Give him a treat for going outside and if he goes inside, just ignore him and clean the mess completely. Do a better job next time.

My dog was potty trained but he has now started to pee in the house again.