I have a Shih Tzu that is 5 yrs old. I am having trouble with her peeing in the house after we had 2 other dogs stay over for 4 days. She has never done this before and when she started this I took away her treats. She will pee right in front of me on the carpet and tile. What am I doing wrong?
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Smaller dogs in particular often don't get 1/10th the exercise or training/disciline they need. You also must to train by positive reinforcement; never negative because negative attentiion is better than no attention as far as the dog is concerned.
If the visiting dogs were healthy and they all got along and played a lot, your dog may be anxious and bored by the sudden loss. Your dog also may have been overwhelmed and intimidated by the other dogs and again is trying to deal with the stress.
Take the dog for long walks (30+ EACH time) TWICE a day at minimum. Ideally do this an appropraiet time after meals so you're catching them when they most likely need to pee and poop. Praise short but very positive every time the dog goes outside.
Be vigilant inside and when your dog looks like they might be thinking about peeing; get them outside asap for a walk. No scolding for peeing inside because it will only reinforce the bad behaviour or anxiety that's making the dog do this.
It isn't just catching the dog when they need to pee. It's also giving them good exercise and mental stiumulation and the companionship they need to be healthy happy and confident. Letting the dog out on their own is NOT adequate exercise or mental stimulation for a dog...especially a solitary one.
THOROUGHLY clean everywhere your dog's been peeing with an enzyme based cleaner to remove the scent completely. One of the visiting dogs may have not been as housebroken as the owner wants to believe and your dog could have picked up on the scent and be acting upon that.
Smaller dogs need every bit as much effort and work to be happy, healthy and well trained as large dogs. Often they need MORE effort because they're 95% puppy milled and very poorly bred which can cause it's own problems.
Good luck.
In addition to Shelter Workers comment, I would reinforce cleaning everything especially where your dog has previously gone to ensure there is no scent left. Your local vets or pet supply store should have some good products that may help.
Your dog could be over marking any scents the others left behind. Use an enzymatic cleaner and restrict her access to certain areas of the house until she improves.
Hello,
I have worked for a Veterinarian for over 27 years. I would make sure that your fur baby does not have a urinary track infection or any bladder problems. Please take your baby to his/her Dr. Good luck.
I also bet it's a urinary tract infection. The vet can give you a little syringe to collect urine or you can take an old ladle or pie plate to collect it while the dog is peeing (a bit tricky, but not impossible). Our dog did that as a puppy - pee a little or none at all outside and then come in and pee right in front of us. Turns out he had a UTI. After a bit of antibiotics, the problem was solved.
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