My puppy won't go to the toilet on walks

There’s also another possibility: if he knows you’re heading straight back home as soon as he’s done his business, he might hold it in just to make the fun last a bit longer.

If he goes to the loo while you're out, keep walking for a bit longer afterwards so he doesn't associate having a wee with having to go back inside.

When he has an accident indoors, always clean it up when he’s out of sight and use some bicarbonate of soda or white vinegar.

These two products completely get rid of any lingering smells that we can't pick up, but which tell a dog that it’s a spot where he can go.

Hi there! Puppy walks can be really overwhelming at first; they’re discovering so many new textures, sounds and smells. Because of this, walks are often quite mentally draining for many pups in the beginning.

The fact that he isn't going to the toilet outside is a sign that there’s just too much information for him to take in right now for him to be relaxed enough to do his business. Time and patience are the two keys to sorting this out.

The period from 3 to 5 months old is the most important stage for his psychological development. The more new things he encounters (cars, bikes, parks, horses...), and the more new dogs and people he meets, the more well-adjusted and sociable he’ll be. This is because he’ll become desensitised to all these stimuli and learn "dog language" by interacting with others.

When you're out on walks, build things up gradually. Try to make sure he associates the experience with nothing but positivity by praising him and giving him treats. You can also get him playing with his favourite toys. Start somewhere quiet, and once you see he’s comfortable, start walking him somewhere a bit busier, and so on...

And of course, when he does manage to go outside—even if it only happens once a week—make a massive fuss of him! Give him a treat so he associates going outside with something positive, and the behaviour will repeat more and more often.

On the other hand, if he has an accident indoors, just ignore it. Clean it up out of his sight and, above all, don't scold him; it won't fix the problem and could even make it worse.

Good luck and all the best with your little bundle of joy! 😁

He’s still very young. A good fuss and plenty of praise when he goes outside, and he’ll soon realise that you’re very happy for him to do his wees and poos outdoors 👌

The big wide world is so exciting for him with so much to discover that going to the toilet comes second!

Any photos of the little guy?

Hi, thanks for your reply. I have to admit, I don't really stop during our walks; I just keep moving. Yes, he does go in the garden, but not all the time. He often spends ages out in the garden, and then as soon as he comes back in, he does a wee.

Hi there,

Yes, this happens quite a lot. Does he go in your garden?

What if you tried just staying in one spot for a while, so he can relax, have a sniff... and maybe do his business?

Being around other dogs would definitely help as well.

Keep us posted.

Maybe a walking buddy would encourage him to go?