It’s annoying when your grown-up dog keeps peeing indoors. This happens for various reasons, but it’s important to sort it out.
To start, you need to understand why it’s happening. Your dog might still be learning, getting older, or possibly has a urinary tract infection. Let’s look into these reasons further.
Why Is My Dog Peeing Inside?
The good news is, there are usually simple solutions to stop your dog from peeing indoors. First, let’s figure out why it’s happening.
Your Dog Isn’t Fully House-Trained
Sometimes, the fix is as basic as giving your dog more training:
Establish a routine: Feed your dog and take them outside at the same times every day. For puppies, take them out every one to two hours. If you’re busy, think about getting a dog walker.
Positive reinforcement: Praise and treat your dog when they pee outside to encourage good behavior.
Watch closely: Keep an eye on your dog for signs they need to go, like whining, circling, sniffing, or pawing at the door. Take them outside right away when you see these signs.
Containment: When you can’t watch your dog, keep them in a restricted area or crate that’s big enough for comfort but not too big for them to see as a bathroom.
Your Dog is Marking Their Territory
Dogs sometimes pee indoors to show they’re in charge of their turf, especially if there are new pets or people around. Clean up pee spots right away, as the smell can trigger more marking.
This is more common in unneutered male dogs. Getting your dog fixed often stops this behavior. But if you wait too long, it can be tough to break.
Your Dog is Anxious or Submissive
Does your dog pee when people approach or when there are loud noises? Do they act shy, crouch down, tuck their tail, or show their belly? This could be submissive urination, caused by anxiety or past harsh treatment.
To help:
Keep greetings calm, so your dog doesn’t feel threatened.
Introduce them to new things gradually and positively.
When interacting, get on their level and approach gently.
If your dog is really anxious, talk to your vet. They might suggest medications to calm them down.
Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Some dogs get really anxious when they’re left alone at home. They might bark a lot, chew things up, pace around obsessively, or pee indoors. There are ways to help with this.
Your Dog’s Routine Has Changed
Dogs like things to stay the same. Big changes, like a new baby, a job switch, or moving, can stress them out. You can help by sticking to a routine or gradually getting them used to a new one. If you’re busy, hiring a dog walker can keep things consistent.
Remember, punishing your dog for peeing inside won’t help. They don’t understand why it’s wrong after the fact.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement, talk to your vet if you’re worried, and keep an eye on any changes in their behavior or routine. With a little patience and attention, you can help your dog get back on track.
How to Potty Train an Older Dog
1. Choose a Bathroom Spot
Pick a spot in your yard for your dog to go potty consistently. It should be close to the door for convenience. This spot becomes their designated bathroom area.
2. Keep a Close Eye
You need to catch your dog in the act to teach them. Use baby gates or close doors to keep them with you. Some trainers suggest using a leash indoors to prevent sneaky accidents.
When you catch them in the act indoors, make a loud noise like a clap to startle them. Don’t scold them or be aggressive. Guide them outside to their bathroom spot and praise them when they finish.
3. Use a Crate
When you can’t watch your dog, put them in a crate. Make sure it’s big enough for them to move comfortably but not too spacious.
Dogs won’t usually go potty where they sleep, so they’re less likely to do it in the crate. This also helps them get used to the crate and establish a bathroom routine. Take them outside right after letting them out.
4. Spend Time Outside
When your dog goes potty outside, praise them a lot. Use an excited voice and give them treats right away. Don’t wait until you’re back inside to reward them, or they won’t understand why they’re being praised.
Let them enjoy being outside a bit longer after they’ve finished. Play games or go for a walk together. If they think they’ll be brought back in right away, they might try to delay going.
5. Stick to a Routine
Feeding your dog whenever they want can mess up their bathroom routine. Give them two meals a day and take them outside about 5-6 times, always at the same times each day.
Once they know when to expect bathroom breaks, they’ll learn to hold it. Dogs like routines, so keep this up even after they’re trained, or they might forget.
6. Spay or Neuter Your Dog
One reason your dog might be peeing indoors is behavioral. Intact dogs are more likely to mark their territory with urine.
Getting your dog spayed or neutered can reduce or stop this behavior. However, if your dog is older and it’s become a habit, you may need to try other methods.
7. Train (or Retrain) Your Dog
For puppies, indoor accidents often mean they need more training. Older dogs may also benefit from revisiting their training. It takes time, patience, and consistency.
Supervise your puppy closely to prevent accidents. Use a crate or confine them to a small space when you can’t watch them. Take them outside every two hours, after waking up, before bed, and after meals. Use positive reinforcement when they go outside.
Avoid using puppy pads, as they can confuse dogs about where it’s okay to go. If you catch your dog peeing inside, make a loud noise to interrupt them, but don’t yell or punish them.
Housebreaking an adult dog is similar. Some experts recommend keeping them on a leash tied to you so you can supervise them. Stick to a routine for feeding and potty breaks.
Changing your dog’s routine and environment can also help. If they pee in the same spot, try putting their food and water there, as most dogs won’t pee where they eat. Make sure they’re getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.
And always use a cleaner with enzymes to remove the odor of accidents, as ammonia-based cleaners can make your dog want to pee in the same spot again.
FAQs About Dogs Peeing in the House
1. Will a Dog Belly Band Work?
I don’t recommend belly bands unless your dog has a medical issue, and even then, check with your vet first. Belly bands can be uncomfortable and too tight, leading to discomfort or even skin problems. It’s better to address the root cause of your dog’s peeing issue, like anxiety or marking territory.
2. Do Pee Pads Help Train Your Dog?
Pee pads may keep your dog peeing indoors. They’re okay if you live in a place where it’s hard to get your dog outside quickly.
But it’s better to use a balcony with artificial turf so your dog knows where to go outside.
3. Dog is Well Trained, but Still Peeing in the House?
Sudden peeing indoors could be due to anxiety from changes in your home or a medical issue. Anytime your dog’s behavior changes, check for medical problems.
4. What’s the Quickest Way to Train a Dog to Pee Outside?
Patience and consistency are key, but some methods can work fast. Try the umbilical cord method, where you keep your dog leashed to you so you can watch for cues to go out. Another method is placing food near where they pee, so they learn to go outside.
5. Why Does My Dog Pee in the Same Spot?
Dogs pee in the same spot because of their strong sense of smell. They’re drawn back to places they’ve marked before. You can break this habit by putting their food where they’ve peed, as dogs avoid soiling where they eat.
