I have a 7 month old Boston Terrier. He has been potty trained (pee's outside), but not poopy trained. Strangely he would pee on anything in the house up till about a month ago. Well yesterday he started peeing and pooping on our chair in the living room. I am unsure what has caused him to start doing this. Nothing in our household has changed. Anyone have any ideas?
I would say adult hormones are kicking in and he is marking the chair. I would advise crate and lead training him. Google the crate training and you will get lots of instruction. The lead training is easy. When he is in the house make certain he is on a short lead and tied to a heavy piece of funiture near where you are. This creates a "den" feeling and they are less likely to soil this area. Also be sure that you are taking him outside enough because if you aren't accidents will continue to happen. Remember you are the pack leader and he will respond to what you show him.
Is he neutered? This is about the age unneutered males start feeling their testosterone. If not neutered, get it done right away, you are already 5 months past due unless you will be showing him.
Something might have changed in his mind, something made him change over to this...I would have him vetted to make sure there are no physical problems and then put a poopy pad outdoors where you want to have him go. Take him there frequently on a leash if you have too. Praise and throw a piece of cooked hot dog down, away from the pad after he goes for the first ten or so times, or more.
I would start target training, which is training to come to you and praising or rewarding with food when you call him and hold your hand down and he touches it with his nose. This is because training makes a bond stronger and establishes you as trustworthy. Also is the dog fixed, this can help in this situation, see if your local humane society can give vouchers for some of the spay neuter cost. I would also get a spray to keep him away, and also an enzymatic cleanser for the boo boos.
Lots of luck, and there is always crate training or leashing him to a spot when you can't watch him or in a room. Blessings, robyn
This pages has been archived 6 times. You can view older posts and feedback below.
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House (09/05/2009)
We have been doing fine with training our approximately 4 month old male Boxer. Yet the past 2 days he has been a nightmare, having 6 accidents in 6 hours and he has been outside 4 times. Help please.
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Archived on 09/05/2009
We have been doing fine with training our approximately 4 month old male Boxer. Yet the past 2 days he has been a nightmare, having 6 accidents in 6 hours and he has been outside 4 times. Help please.
What in the world are we doing wrong? We keep him in a large crate when we leave, feed him at normal times, love him, but its like he has forgotten to go outside suddenly.
Mrs. SGT G Howell (Jennifer)
Feedback:
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Separation anxiety will cause this. Are you stressed or worried when you leave him? He picks up on your emotions and responds accordingly. Go to the dog whisperer's site (Cesar Milan (sp?) and read up on what he says about this. It's a common stress/anxiety issue. (07/10/2009)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I would take him to the vet first off to make sure he does not have a urinary infection. They will urinate a lot more and inside when they have an infection despite being house trained. Good Luck. (07/13/2009)
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Archived on 07/10/2009
I have a 3 year old Yorkie. We just moved from Florida to Pennsylvania. We have a fenced in yard that he will potty in. Lately when we go out we have been coming home to accidents. It has been more frequent each time we go out. If I don't jump out of bed in the morning he will go in the house, as well. Should I start to crate him again when we go out?
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I had a Husky years ago that was house trained as well and started to have accidents. He was about 5 years old at time. I asked about it at the vet next time and I found out he had urinary tract infection just like people. They gave me medicine and it stopped right away. Vinegar also helps to get rid of scent so they are not encouraged to go there again. Hope it helps. (04/24/2009)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I'd take the little fellow to the vet as soon as possible. He may have a bladder or kidney infection, or it may be his prostate. During the day, give him as much (non salted) liquid as possible to help flush out any infection. Also, wet food is better than dry food because they get more liquids from wet. First rule out a medical issue before anything else.
By Cyinda
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Archived on 04/24/2009
My 11 month old Maltese who has been toilet trained for months now has just started peeing inside in the evening. He is also doing it when he gets excited to see people. Does anyone know why this is and how to stop it?
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Just like you said, its an excitement thing! Dogs can't tell they're bladders they're happy! We pee when we laugh! Okay, when you come in the house, ignore him. Give him a minute or two to calm down and realize you're home.
Dogs have no conception of time! When you walk in the door, don't look at him. Say hi, in a calm voice, and walk away with your arms crossed. When he just looks at you after the minute or so, then and only then do you pet him and say hello in a normal calm fashion! Don't ever make a huge deal that you home! It worked with my Chihuahua. Good luck. (04/16/2009)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I have a 6 yr old Dachshund who has started the same thing after no problems for the past 5 years. I have brought out my old cage that I used to originally housebreak him in, and am putting him in it when I leave the house or go to bed. He's getting the idea again that I won't put up with it!
The most important thing though is to find out why. With mine, I had adopted a cat, but she (for many reasons) didn't work out. The cat had become a great friend to my dog (his best friend is my other dachshund), and now he's upset that he can't find the cat anywhere in the house anymore. I feel sure that it won't take but a couple of weeks and he'll be straightened back out again. Good luck with yours! (04/22/2009)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I forgot to add before, both my dogs are trained that the minute I come in the door, the first thing I do is put my stuff down, then it's straight to the back door to let them out. They've gotten to where they say a quick hi to me, (not the other way around), then they take off to the back door. They wait till they come back in to greet me properly! (04/22/2009)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Something has changed, here's three things to look at:
1. Medical problem, bladder infection, blindness, diabetes
2. Nervous condition brought on by some environment change (a new pet, taunting by house guest, noise, etc.)
3. The area the dog usually pees is dirty, very wet or perceptually unsafe to the dog, so he/she pees inside instead of wanting to go out. (03/22/2009)
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Archived on 03/19/2009
I got my Schipperkee about 4 months ago from the SPCA. I was able to get him to go pee outside. Lately he will poop outside but pee in the house when I am at work. Is there anything that I can spray all over my carpets to deter him from going in the house?
Terralei from Sacramento, CA
Answers:
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
If the dog hasn't yet been neutered; do it asap! It sounds like he's marking his territory but you can fix this. It is a common problem, so don't worry. There may have been some scent you weren't aware of on the old rugs and the new scents being so foreign, have caused him to start marking.
The problem may stop on it's own after neutering. You may have to do a little work on firming up the potty training, long walks am and pm, plenty of water, but not right before bedtime or leaving the house, etc. All the things you did to help house train him in the first place, may need to be redone. If necessary, restrict him to one or two rooms until you get him neutered and under control.
Keep an eye that you don't reinforce the bad behavior. Only scold when you catch him in the act. Never after the fact, because he really doesn't associate your anger with the act of peeing if any time has passed since he peed. Give him lots of positive attention and reinforcement at the appropriate times. You don't want to make having the dog a horror for both of you when it can easily be fun again. Also, clean the affected areas in the house thoroughly with an enzyme based cleaner to get rid of all possible scent.
You don't mention how old the dog is either. If he's a real senior citizen, but already neutered, you should get him to vet for a checkup anyway. The peeing might then be unrelated to the new rugs throughout. Best of luck to you and kudos for not just "rehoming" (dumping) your dog at the local shelter at the first sign of a problem. (08/15/2008)
By frugal tipster
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I have a 5 year old Shih-Tzu that has been house broken since she was very young. Lately she has been having accidents in the house even after I have just taken her outside. I've noticed she has been wanting out 3-4 times/night to use the bathroom. I took her to the vet today and she was found to have a UTI and bladder stones which may need to be surgically removed. It is definitely NOT normal for a house trained dog to start peeing in the house. If this is happening, take you dog to the vet immediately for an x-ray and urinalysis. Just FYI. (11/14/2008)
Request: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Archived on 08/14/2008
My house trained dog has recently started peeing in the house, whether we are home or not. What can we do to stop him? The only thing that has changed is that a month before he started peeing everywhere, we had new carpet installed throughout the house, which now has stains everywhere. But it's not just the carpet, he is cocking his leg everywhere.
Can you please help? Kaylie Bradley from UK
Answers:
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
If you have noticed that you have been busier or home less, this could be why. They hate being left alone for long periods of time from their owners. If this is the case, then spend more time at home. Do things like, walking him or her, go to the park, car rides, etc. You could also (if you have been thinking of a second pet) get him/her a friend. Leave a shirt laying out for them to smell as long as they are not chewers as well (kind of a scent memory of calmness). If the dog is getting older, you might need to see if the vet thinks there is a bladder weakening problem. There are online recipes for reverting them from peeing, but you would have to try different ones because all dogs (like people) are different. Hope this helps a little. (01/25/2006)
By Mary Melnyk
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Sounds like he is remarking his territory. Now that he doesn't smell himself on the rug (or anyone else) he may feel he needs to remark his territory. My dog has done this when we move to a new house (we ended up taking him outside more to mark the new yard) and make sure he has familiar items like bed and toys around, they won't pee on those. He may just be confused with the new stuff. Get the carpet professionally cleaned (tell them about the dog messes) and in each room or floor put something familiar, like a towel or blanket with his scent, and keep his security items handy. Make sure he goes before you leave. But if he continues, take him to the vet, and check for allergies or bladder/urethra problems, possibly. (01/26/2006)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Get your dog to the vet. A house trained dog does not become un-house trained. He may have a bladder infection, a kidney infection, or something else.
I have done animal rescue for years, and this is one of the standard questions on our application to adopt a dog from us. (01/26/2006)
By Judy
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
You didn't mention your dog's sex, breed or age or if he had been neutered. If he is four to six months old he may be getting his hormones, hence the marking. Sometimes young dogs have house-breaking relapses. Go back to what you did when first were housebreaking him. You can also leash him loosely around your waist to keep him close while you work around the house and crate him when he's left. Crate training is great for dogs for many reasons. He may have too much freedom. Correct the bejeebers out of him for marking if you can at that instant. Timing is everything. If you can't correct at that instant, then don't. Dogs live in the now.
You have a real challenge on your hands because you are trying to train after the fact and your house smells wonderful to him. But don't give up. Do investigate crate training.
Also, when out on a walk do not let him mark. Give him a "No!"and move firmly on. He may look confused because he has always marked there. Be clear and consistent, the whole family on the same page.
Dogs are pack animals and you and your family are his pack, so outrank him even as you love him. Work backwards with him until you can trust him again. If you suspect a physical problem check with your vet. Dogs do not need to mark their territory anymore than they need to do their business in the house.
I'm sorry this is so long but dogs are so wonderful and so many end up tragically because of training issues. Please don't give up. (01/26/2006)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
Have him checked for diabetes, it's a sure sign. (01/26/2006)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
My dog did that and it was because she had a urinary tract infection. (01/27/2006)
By Bonnie
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
All the above advise is very good. Take your dog to the vet for a check up and if your dog isn't neutered, get him neutered.
The dog probably is responding to the carpet smell and carpets have a lot of chemicals in them. I hate carpets and almost all of mine have been replaced with hard wood floors.
Watch for signs of when he is going to pee, take him out and praise him lavishly. If you catch him in the act, tell him NO! but don't hit him, immediately take him outside and when he continues his business, praise him. It may just be the carpet smell. Maybe your dog is feeling strange because the carpet is new. Sort of like bringing in a new pup or baby. (02/10/2006)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I have a 1 yr 3 mos Maltese. She was house trained until recently. We moved into a new city and stayed with my brother for 1 month no problems. Then we moved into our own apartment. I started a new job after a three month layoff. One day I had a new visitor over and she kept barking and was very excited and she peed as I was picking her up to put her in another room. Now she goes #1 and #2 in the house when I am at work. Today as usual, when I got off of work I took her out and she went #1 and #2 outside also. I stop feeding her in the mornings and now feed her only once in the afternoon. What can I do? She is careful to do it on any piece of paper she can find or on the tile floor, but not on the carpet. She seems to know that she did something wrong when I come home. Even if I don't say anything to her about it, she gets quiet and timid. What should I do?
Editor's Note: Get some piddle pads and put them in a place she has gone before. Praise her when she goes on it. She is probably a little traumatized from all the changes, the moves, and now you being gone. She'll probably calm down after a few weeks. (06/06/2006)
By kathy lee
8 yr old lab was Previously House Trained Has Started Peeing in House
I have an eight year old lab that has been house trained ever since I housebroke him when he was 6 months old. He is neutered, and I am trying to figure out why he is peeing in the house more often. I will take him to the vet to rule out urinary tract infection ASAP. He has peed from thunderstorms in the middle of the night, and he also seems to pee after I am away for a weekend and then get back. Usually it's not on the rug, but this time it was and I'd like to take care of it immediately. Should I crate him if it isn't urinary tract infection?
Is it possible that I am giving him too much water and he has to go really bad? I used to give him a measured amount of water every day, but since we moved in with my girlfriend she gives him more water than I used to.
Another thought is that our dog walker takes him out at 2 pm. I never take him out at 2 pm. Maybe this is throwing his routine off? Should I try to find a walker that can take him at 5:00? That's closer to the time I take him out normally.
(10/15/2006)
By joe raffone
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
I have a six year old yorkie, at least that is what I think.
We got her from a lady at a vets office. I do not think she was treated so well, she seems very scared. The lady claimed to have 20 plus yorkies. As soon as we got her home she started using the floor but when I would put her outside she would finish. And when I come home from work she will be outside but the floor still soiled. Now I am trying a new routine and putting her out the dog door and making her stay out until she does her business, then praising when she comes back in. We have only had her for about 2 weeks so we'll see how it goes! Thanks to all for the previous answers. Helped greatly. (03/19/2007)
RE: Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House
My 3 year old male chocolate lab was recently neutered before we moved. Now that we have moved from Ohio to Virginia, it has been a week and he has had three accidents in our house. He is a big dog and they are big pee accidents on my brand new white carpet (sniffle). In Ohio we lived in a downtown penthouse where he went out only three or four times a day and he never had accidents. However, in the new house, he has a huge fenced in yard where he can go out whenever he wants and has freedom to pee and poo all the time, which he does. However, he has had these accidents. Maybe it is readjustment issues, or the fact that his activity level has increased so much that he needs more water, and just can't hold it through the night (when the accidents are happening). We have a huge water dish that he and the two cats share that is always available, maybe he is drinking too much because of his activity level? Who knows! But he really acts like he's so ashamed when he does it. I am a psychiatrist and if he were a human, I would prescribe him something for bladder control. Your thoughts emailed to me at michaelhbenz AT hotmail.com are appreciated.
Editor's Note: I'd put the water up late in the day. Because he was used to being walked when you were in the penthouse, he may be confused about when to go. Maybe walking him out on his leash before he goes to bed would help. (04/25/2007)
