How to stop my dog from peeing in the house

When a previously house-trained adult dog starts peeing indoors, rule out a medical cause first — a urinary tract infection, incontinence, or another health issue can cause it. If your vet gives the all-clear, treat it like retraining: a tight potty schedule, close supervision, enzymatic cleaning, and a reward every time they go outside.

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Step by step

See your vet first to rule out a UTI, bladder issue, incontinence, or other medical cause — especially if it started suddenly.
Go back to basics: take your dog out on a fixed schedule and always after sleeping, eating, drinking and playing.
Reward within a few seconds of them finishing outside, while you're still there, so the reward links to the right spot.
Supervise closely indoors and watch for pre-pee signs (circling, sniffing) so you can get them out in time.
Clean every accident with an enzymatic cleaner, never ammonia-based — leftover scent invites a repeat.
Look for triggers like stress, a change in routine, or marking, and address those rather than punishing accidents.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my house-trained dog peeing inside again?

Common causes are a medical problem (UTI, bladder stones, incontinence), stress or routine changes, incomplete house-training, or scent-marking. Because a health issue is often involved, a vet check should come first.

Is my dog peeing inside out of spite?

No — dogs don't urinate out of revenge. It's almost always medical, anxiety-driven, marking, or a gap in training. Treating it as 'spite' leads to punishment that makes the problem worse.

How do I stop the smell drawing them back?

Use an enzymatic pet cleaner that breaks down the urine proteins. Regular or ammonia-based cleaners leave a scent your dog can still smell, which pulls them back to the same spot.