Why Your Puppy Still Has Accidents (Even If You’re Doing Everything Right)

If you’re following all the standard potty training advice and your puppy is still having accidents, you’re not alone. The truth? Puppies don’t just need routines—they need to master specific concepts to build reliable potty habits.

Here are a few reasons progress might stall:

1. They Don’t Truly Understand “Where to Go”

Consistency isn’t just about repetition—it’s about helping your puppy form clear associations between place, timing, and reward.

2. The House Feels Like a Giant Toilet

Freedom too soon = confusion. If your puppy has free access to rooms before they’re fully trained, they may generalize indoor potty habits.

3. You’re Missing Early Signals

Subtle signs like sniffing, pacing, or sudden stillness often mean “I need to go now.” Learning your puppy’s unique cues is critical.

4. They Haven’t Learned to Communicate

Even smart puppies need training to ring a bell, scratch a door, or give a clear signal. Without this, accidents are just a matter of time.

5. There’s No Clear Plan to Troubleshoot

When potty training stalls, most people keep doing the same thing. What they really need is a structured way to figure out why it’s not working.

That’s why I created this potty training flowchart.
It’s the exact step-by-step process I use to troubleshoot accidents and fast-track progress with my clients.
Download the Potty Training Troubleshooting Flowchart

Also see:
The 4 Critical Potty Training Concepts Your Puppy Has to Learn
Top 10 Potty Training Mistakes That Sabotage Progress