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Why is my 7-month puppy having potty accidents in her crate?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 7 months and 19 days old | 31 lbs

I have a 7-month old Australian-Shepherd, Beale mix who was doing well with her crate training and could hold her pee for up to 5-6 hours at a time. Around 4- 5 months old, I noticed when I came home from work, she had peed in her crate on her bedding. I assumed it was because she couldn't hold her pee because I work 8-9 hours a day. But she started peeing in her crate, on her bedding even when left alone for a couple of hours. She sleeps in her crate through the night without any accidents.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2018

It is very common for them to have a small relapse in their training around 6-8 months old. It could also be due to an urinary tract infection. I would first have her urine checked to ensure everything is normal. If so, I would take out all blankets. Sometimes they will relearn how to hold it if there isn't anything in there to soak up their urine. I had to do this with one of my own dogs and it worked after a few days. Just be sure to keep a strict routine and also don't let her drink a lot of water right before she gets in the crate in the morning. Also, do not leave water in the crate with her. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2017
This is normal! It can take months to fully housebreak a puppy, and there will be setbacks in the process. Keep consistently going with your routine, and she will get there in the end. Make sure that the litter box is big enough for her as she goes because she may not go in it if she can't fit into comfortably. If Siouxsie peeing frequently in small amounts around the house, then I would have her seen by a vet for a health check to make sure there isn't a medical problem causing this such as a UTI.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 10th, 2018
It can be very normal for puppies to have frequent accidents in the house when they are house training, and sometimes even if they have urinated outside they can urinate when they get back indoors. I sometimes recommend trying a house training 'boot camp' for the weekend if you're struggling where you keep the puppy either in a small crate or tethered to you with a leash so it is supervised at all times when indoors, and going outside to urinate every 2 hours. If you feel like the frequency of urination is abnormal, or if your puppy squats and produces on a drop or two of urine a urinary tract infection might also be possible and you should see your veterinarian.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 16th, 2017
Potty training takes consistency and patience. At that age with her size, she should be sleeping through the night without bathroom breaks so holding it longer than hour during the day should be easy. If she is having problems either she is getting too distracted and not finishing outside or she may have. Abladder infection causing her to go more often often. Make sure when she does go she gets lots of praise and treats to help but your vet should check her for a medical reason
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my 4-month-old puppy still having accidents in her crate?

Four months is a very young age still and one where I wouldn't expect Fendi to be completely potty trained. That said, she should still be able to hold it about an hour or two, and if she can't, then scheduling a vet visit to make sure there isn't a health issue related first is a good idea. If she checks out healthy, sticking to a strict potty training routine is best. This means going out every 1-2 hours, after waking, eating, drinking, playing, etc to give her opportunities to go outside. If she is pottying in her kennel, it may be too big for her (it should be just big enough to comfortably lay down and turn around in, but not so big she can potty on one side and lay on the other.) Blocking off the house so she has limited access and limited chance to have an accident can also help. Here are a few additional articles that may help as well: https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-tips-to-potty-train-your-dog-young-and-old/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-housetraining-mistakes/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-housetrain-your-dog-or-puppy-using-a-potty-cue/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/housetraining-tips-and-tricks/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-reasons-for-potty-accidents-in-dogs/

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Why does my 6-month puppy pee in crate during day but not at night?

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My 4-month puppy has crate accidents. Will she grow out of it?

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Why is my previously potty-trained dog suddenly peeing on the sofa?

She may have a urinary infection that causes her to have accidents due to not being able to hold it as Kong. She may be doing this out of stress or anxiety or something has changed in her environment or routine. Depending on where she is in her heat cycle it may be due to marking and territorial problems influenced by hormones The best place to start is gave your vet check for infection with the urine then look in to getting her fixed. From there you can look into repeating house training or behavioral medicines

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My puppy keeps having crate accidents even after going outside.

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My 7-month puppy pees at night & when excited. How to stop accidents?

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My house-trained puppy is suddenly having pee accidents. Why?

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