Help - toilet training regression at 14 weeks!

[celestebellman]

Hi, our puppy is almost 14 weeks, we have had him since 8 weeks and the first 3 weeks I had off work and was religiously taking him out regularly for a wee/ poo and rewarding etc. Then went back to work 3 days a week and he has continued to be mainly ok, with visits from dog sitter and mother in law, with my partner who is at home but in his office also letting him out at lunchtime. He has also been mainly ok on the days I am not at work and kids are at school, when I have still been making sure he goes out regularly. Last week or maybe more I have felt more relaxed as not really any accidents, but perhaps I have been too relaxed as yesterday he wee’d 3 times in kitchen/ hallway, and today has just wee’d on kitchen tiles as I was in the process of taking him out. As it’s been sunny he’s had pretty much freedom to go in and out of garden past few days, which may also have led me to be more relaxed. He has not done a poo inside for quite a while.
I wondered if this type of slight regression is common? Reasons have considered is that I have become too complacent and not reminding him enough; it’s half term, routine has gone to pot, it’s all been very exciting with kids running around and he has also been on a couple of outings - he has probably had less sleep of less good quality than usual so may just be tired, and things might improve once back to normal next week.
It is a bit soul destroying though to think we were almost there and then face the prospect of going back to the continual in and out phase reminding him to go. I just wondered if anyone has had similar experience?

I think at 14 weeks you still can't relax until they are actually asking to go out each time. Mine was a lot older than yours when that happened so I would go back to basics.

I also don't think it helps having the door to the outside open all the time as there isn't a clear distinction about inside and outside until they are fully toilet trained.

Thanks @biteyshark - was thinking that, though we have been in the garden a lot, and in and out so it is difficult to preserve that distinction! (Sure the weather will change soon though)

We’ve bought this which really helps to deter our pup from weeing inside. He hasn’t had an accident since we got it. I just spray it all over the floor and carpet downstairs every few days. It smells lovely too!

Thanks @LadyCatStark, have got some indoor wipe-off stuff which is supposed to discourage them from weeing in same place after you’ve cleaned it up - though not actually attempted spraying it everywhere (it doesn’t smell great though!)