If your adult poodle is already housetrained but starts having accidents in the house, the first thing you should do is take him to the veterinarian to rule out a physical cause for the problem. He might have a urinary tract infection, or he might have an ailment, like diabetes, that causes him to drink more and therefore pee more. If he's on corticosteroids, like prednisone, they will make him drink (and pee) more. If your poodle is a female, she may have what's called spay incontinence, in which a lack of estrogen causes spayed females to leak urine. A gastrointestinal ailment might cause your dog to defecate indoors involuntarily.

If a medical reason for the accidents is ruled out, look at the stressors in your dog's life. Is there an illness or some other problem that is stressing you or your family? If so, your poodle might be stressed as well. And he may show his stress — and make a bid for attention — by eliminating in the house. If you can, address the source of the stress; then give your poodle some extra time and attention.

If there are no identifiable reasons for relapses in housetraining, you should go back to square one and treat your poodle like he's an untrained puppy. Put him on a schedule, crate him when you can't keep an eye on him, and reward him like crazy when he does his business outdoors. If that doesn't work, talk with your veterinarian again or see a behaviorist for personalized help.