Why dogs have accidents
Once you find the cause of a dog’s accidents, a solution often becomes evident. Common causes include:

• A medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or parasites. If your dog urinates small amounts frequently, suspect a urinary tract infection and contact your veterinarian.
• Territorial marking. If your dog is lifting his leg in the house, he may be marking his territory. This is a behavior training issue, not a housetraining issue.
• Anxiety or fear caused by being alone or some outside event like construction or loud noises.
• Confusion about what is expected, which means the dog is not actually housetrained.

Solving the problem
Step one to resolving this problem is finding the cause and your first stop is the veterinarian. Once a medical condition is ruled out, then these basic steps should help get you back on track.

• Schedule food, water and exercise. This will help make the digestive system more predictable.
• Consider crate training.
• Try to catch him in the act and distract him by saying “Ahhh” or "No" in a serious tone. This should stop him in mid-stream. Then take him outside to finish the job.
• Always praise your dog and offer a kibble of food as a treat for relieving himself where and when you want. This will strengthen and reinforce good habits.
• Clean up accidents with a good odor remover so no lingering smell attracts him back to that spot.
• Make sure your dog isn’t left alone too long. If you work, either come home midday, hire a walker, or leave your pup in a small area on papers (Don’t put papers inside a crate).
• If your dog is having accidents the moment he or she is left alone, please seek the help of a qualified dog trainer or behavior professional, as this may be a sign of separation anxiety.

Do’s and Don’ts
Do get puppies outside at least six times a day, adult dogs at least four. Don’t punish your dog after the fact – you’ll just give your dog another source of fear, which could lead to more accidents. Do go out with him to praise and reward him for going outside. Don’t rub your dog’s nose in the mess - this will scare him. Do control where and when your dog goes to the bathroom by using a crate, regular routine and close supervision.