How To Train Your Dog To Not Pee At Night | Wag!

Medium difficulty iconMediumTime icon1-6 WeeksBehavior training category iconBehavior

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The Rigid Routine MethodThe Rigid Routine Method6 VotesThe Cozy Crate MethodThe Cozy Crate Method3 VotesThe Marking Menace MethodThe Marking Menace Method2 VotesIntroduction

You're in that place between dreams and reality. You hear the sound of a babbling stream as you drift off. But wait! There are no rivers in your house! You shoot out of bed as you clue into what's happening. Sure enough, a golden puddle awaits you smack dab in the middle of your living room.

Anyone who's dealt with a midnight urinator knows how much of pain this bad habit can be. But why would a dog who is otherwise house trained insist on “going” inside after the sun goes down? Finding that out will help you better address the situation.

TopDefining Tasks

Peeing at night can happen for a whole heap of reasons. Sometimes it's just a matter of not being supervised before potty training is complete. Other times, your dog could be marking his territory in a spot that he previously peed on and can still smell.

Another reason that younger pups have night time accidents has to do with when they eat and drink. Their bladders are small, and empty faster than older pooches. If you're giving your youngster a giant bowl of water before bed, she might not be able to hold it until morning. Thankfully, most of these problems are fixable!

TopGetting Started

To help your fur buddy make it through the night with no accidents, you'll need to be prepared. Try to come to the table with the following:

• An Alarm: You may think it's overkill, but it's easy to let minutes turn into hours when you aren't paying attention. Having an alarm can help you set a strict schedule.
• Cleaning Supplies: Don't just grab your favorite bargain brand! Dish out the extra dollars for an enzyme-based cleaner made specifically to beat dog urine.
• A Crate: Some dogs just need a safe space to become their den. A dog's instinct tells them not to pee in their den, so staying in the crate overnight might stop sneaky floor pees.

Peeing inside at night can also be a sign that your dog isn't feeling so hot. It's a good idea to get a full check-up to make sure all is well before trying to train your dog out of this unpleasant habit.

Below are some methods that you can use to help both Rover and you sleep through the nights. Remember, if you catch your pooch in the act of peeing inside, don't freak out! Clap your hands loudly and give a firm “no!”, then lead the dog outside.

Top

The Rigid Routine Method

Most Recommended

6 Votes

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Most Recommended

6 Votes

Ribbon icon1

Set your alarm

Pick a time in the evening that is about two hours before bedtime.

2

Take the bowl away

When the alarm goes off, take away your pup’s water dish.

3

Go outside

Make sure you give your dog one or two more potty breaks before heading to bed.

4

Keep tabs on your dog

Bring your pooch’s bed in your room so you'll hear if he gets up.

5

Don't sleep in!

If your pup makes it through the night, be sure to get him outside first thing in the morning to relieve himself.

6

Reward a job well done

After he “goes” in the right spot, praise him with a treat.

The Cozy Crate Method

Effective

3 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

3 Votes

Ribbon icon1

Bring in the crate

Put it somewhere that your family is, like a living room or bedroom.

2

Make it cozy

Think of what a den looks like. Try putting a towel on top of the crate and a fluffy blanket inside.

3

Check the size

Your dog should be able to comfortably lay down in his crate, but only just! If it's too roomy in there, the pup may designate a corner for peeing.

4

Put a treat inside

Let your dog know that the crate is a good thing. Give him a tasty treat once he goes inside and put his favorite toys in there.

5

Go outside before bed

Make sure that your pupper fully relieves himself before heading in for the night.

The Marking Menace Method

Least Recommended

2 Votes

Ribbon icon

Least Recommended

2 Votes

Ribbon icon1

Find where your dog has peed

Locate all of the pee spots in your home. If you really want to be thorough, you can use a UV light.

2

Clean the spots

Get your heavy duty enzyme cleaner and soak the area.

3

Follow the label

Get your heavy duty enzyme cleaner and soak the area.

4

Try it out

See how your dog does overnight after a thorough cleaning. If he does not return to the pee areas, you may have beaten the smell!

5

Steam clean!

If your first clean didn't stop the night accidents, you may want to rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional. Then you'll know for sure that all urine scents are gone.

Written by Amy Caldwell

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 10/24/2017, edited: 01/08/2021

More articles by Amy Caldwell

• How to Train Your Dog to Fetch
• How to Train Your Dog to Ride a Bike with You
• How to Train Your Dog to Fetch a Dumbbell

Training Questions and Answers

AngelJack Russell Terrier mixThree YearsQuestion0 found this helpful0 found this helpful

My dog is does very well going to the restroom outside. During the day no issues . She goes before we go to bed. The problem is she wakes me up 3-4 times a night to pee or poop. Right after she goes to the water dish has a little water and back to sleep. Only at night does she go pee soooo much. Last health check by Vet was fine.

Jan. 23, 2024

Angel's Owner

MeliHalf poodle half schitzuThree YearsQuestion0 found this helpful0 found this helpful

our little girl has regressed in toilet training...she nows pees in the house every single night

Dec. 11, 2023

Meli's Owner

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