🐾 10-Month-Old Puppy Still Having Accidents? Here’s What’s Really Going On

dancindogtn
Feb 2
2 min read

Struggling with a 10-month-old puppy peeing in the house? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing.

Many dog owners hit a wall with puppy potty training regression around this age. Just when you think house training is done… accidents start happening again.

The good news? This is fixable.

Why Your Older Puppy Is Still Peeing Indoors

At 10 months old, your dog can hold it — but behavior and routine issues are usually the real cause.

🧠 1. Too Much Freedom Too Soon

If your puppy can roam the house unsupervised, they may sneak off and pee. Dogs don’t generalize well — one indoor accident can restart the habit.

⏱️ 2. Inconsistent Potty Schedule

Even older puppies need structure. Without a predictable routine, accidents happen.

Take your puppy out:

First thing in the morning
After meals
After naps
After playtime
Before bed

👀 3. Lack of Supervision

If you don’t see the accident, your puppy doesn’t learn anything. Management is key in house training older puppies.

😬 4. Excitement Peeing

Common in Labs and friendly breeds. Overstimulation can cause indoor accidents — this isn’t disobedience.

🧼 5. Lingering Odors

Dogs can smell old accident spots even when we can’t. Without an enzymatic cleaner, they think it’s still a bathroom.

How to Fix Puppy Potty Training Setbacks

Think of this as Potty Training 2.0.

🔒 Go Back to Management

Crate when unsupervised. Use gates. Keep your puppy in the same room as you.

⏰ Use a Strict Potty Routine

Take them out every 2–3 hours at first. Same door. Same potty spot.

🎉 Reward Big

Praise, treats, excitement — make outdoor potty the best thing ever.

🧽 Deep Clean Accident Areas

Use enzymatic cleaners to remove scent markers.

🚫 Skip Punishment

Punishing only teaches dogs to hide accidents — not to go outside.

The Bottom Line

If your 10-month-old puppy isn’t house trained yet, it’s usually:

Routine issues
Too much freedom
Normal adolescent regression

Not stubbornness.

Consistency + structure = success.