Anxiety?

[mflavin]

My Bailey is 7 months old and we haven't had housetraining problems in quite some time. She has always been good about telling us she needs to go in very obvious ways (i.e. whining in front of you and running to the door). But just this past weekend she's had three episodes where she's peed on the floor right in front of us even when she's had a potty break recently. IT doesn't seem like it is a UTI either because usually it is a fair amount of pee, so she probably did have to go. It is just that she is always good about letting us know.

A factor that we suspect may be causing this is - My boyfriend (we live together) went away yesterday and she seemed very anxious when he was packing his bags. Also - we recently got back from a trip where she stayed with a friend for ten days. Does she have a fear of us leaving? Is she punishing us for leaving?

Or is this just a housebreaking relapse?

Thoughts?

 

[gmacleod]

Probably just a "relapse", though i would note that apparent relapses by puppies of this age (which is very common btw) invariably aren't relapses at all. It's just the proof, if you like, that pups don't actually fully understand about houstraining.

The only thing to do is quickly revert to potty training 101, and get it clear in her mind that all pottying must be an outdoor activity only. But you need to remember that you can't rely on your pup telling you when she needs out. That's a bonus. It does need to be your responsibility to ensure that she gets sufficient potty opportunities. So if she hasn't asked to go out in several hours, or it's approaching a time when she usually does need to go, then get up and take her - don't wait for her to ask.