Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House

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:

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

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)

By Holley D.