Dealing with Potty Training Setbacks

Potty training isn’t always a straight line—it’s more like a rollercoaster of success, accidents, and the occasional "Why is there poop on my floor?" moment. If you're dealing with potty training setbacks, you’re not alone. Whether you’re figuring out how to potty train a puppy fast or working on potty training an older dog, setbacks are part of the process. The key? Stay patient, troubleshoot the issues, and keep moving forward (preferably without stepping in something gross).

Why Is This Happening?

Before you freak out and question all your life choices, let’s look at some common reasons for setbacks:

1. Medical Issues

Sometimes accidents aren’t training-related at all. If your dog suddenly starts having accidents after being reliable, a vet visit might be in order. Changes in dog bathroom behavior – what poop color means can also give clues about their health.

2. Inconsistent Schedules

Dogs thrive on routine. If potty breaks are all over the place, your pup might get confused. If you’re wondering how to stop potty accidents in the house, getting back to a solid potty schedule is a great first step.

3. Anxiety & Stress

Big life changes—new home, new people, loud noises—can mess with your dog's habits. If you’re potty training an older dog or a rescue, give them time to adjust.

4. Confusion Over Training Method

Not all methods work for all dogs. If you're stuck between crate training vs potty pads, stick with one approach for consistency.

How to Get Back on Track

Now that we know why setbacks happen, let’s fix them.

Reinforce Good Behavior – Go back to basics with positive reinforcement. Every successful potty trip gets a treat, praise, or playtime.

Adjust the Schedule – If accidents are happening at the same time each day, adjust potty breaks to be earlier.

Limit Freedom Indoors – Until they’re back on track, keep them in a crate or a small, supervised space to prevent sneaky accidents.

Clean Accidents Thoroughly – Dogs love to re-mark spots. Use an enzymatic cleaner so they don’t get any bright ideas.

Best Dog Training Accessories for Potty Training

No matter what method you use, you’ll be handling a lot of poop bags. The dooloop is the ultimate hands-free leash accessory—clip that full bag on and keep moving. If you're searching for the best dog training accessories for potty training, this is a must-have. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to carry a warm bag of crap while trying to focus on training.

Setbacks suck, but they're just a bump in the road.

Whether you're working on how to potty train a puppy fast or troubleshooting potty training an older dog, consistency and patience will get you through. And when your dog finally gets it? That’s a reason to celebrate.