Advice needed: How to get puppy to pee outside

Seeking help
1

How did you train your puppy to pee outside?

I recently adopted a 4-month-old mix and, though I’ve potty trained puppies before, I’m struggling with this one. She can hold her pee for 4-5 hours during the day, but refuses to go outside. I take her out after naps, meals, and playtime, but she waits until she’s back inside to pee. I stay outside for 10-15 minutes, and if she doesn’t go, I put her back in the crate, where she pees immediately. This is exhausting, especially with a young child and living on the 3rd floor.

I’ve tried:

  • Taking her directly to the potty spot and using praise for successful pee sessions, which works for poop but not for pee.
  • Bringing a soiled wee pad outside to signal where to go.
  • Repeating crate time and trying again, but she just pees in her crate.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :weary:

1 Like
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About 3 weeks ago, when my puppy was 4 months old, I was so frustrated—she suddenly seemed to forget how to pee outside. We’d be outside for 30-40 minutes with no success, then she’d come inside and pee on the rug within minutes. She even walked just 6 inches inside the house and peed while we were all outside playing.

I spent a few days camping outside with her, throwing a big celebration with special treats every time she peed outside. Then, overnight, she went back to peeing outside exclusively, even scratching at the door and ringing bells to go out. I’m not sure if the “intensive remedial potty training” helped or if it was just a phase, but I feel your pain and hope it’s just a phase for your pup, too.