Ask Me Help Desk - Stop dogs from peeing in the house

Stop dogs from peeing in the house

We have dogs that we rescued from one of the local shelters. One is about 3 1/2 and the other is about 6 1/2. They both mark the house. I have not been able to catch them in the act so I am not sure who the guilty party is. We have had them for about 3 years. I am getting to my wits end. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Have they been neutered?

Where do they go potty when they do it right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Have they been neutered?

Where do they go potty when they do it right?

Yes, they were both neutered when we got them.
They go out into the back yard. They may be out for quite awhile at times or for a short time and we will find a wet spot on something soon after they have come in. I have tried keeping all the doors closed in the house when they are in but one may be left open.

Does anyone go out with them when they potty, or you just open the door and they go out?

Here is what Alty, one of our animal experts, told someone recently (regarding a similar problem) --

Go back to basics, as if you're potty training a new puppy. Make sure that anything she pees on is cleaned up and sanitized immediately. If you catch her in the act, a firm "NO!" and then take her directly outside. You'll have to go with her when she goes out to potty. Use a potty word "potty time" and when she goes, tons of praise, a treat, act like she just won the lottery. Make sure she knows that going outside to pee is very very good, but when she pees inside, just a firm no, clean it up, and then take her outside.

Dogs want positive attention. They will do anything for that positive attention.

Have you ruled out medical issues?

When we first brought them home we went out with them. They have not pooped in the house in over two or three years but they continue to pee in the house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Here is what Alty, one of our animal experts, told someone recently (regarding a similar problem) --

Go back to basics, as if you're potty training a new puppy. Make sure that anything she pees on is cleaned up and sanitized immediately. If you catch her in the act, a firm "NO!" and then take her directly outside. You'll have to go with her when she goes out to potty. Use a potty word "potty time" and when she goes, tons of praise, a treat, act like she just won the lottery. Make sure she knows that going outside to pee is very very good, but when she pees inside, just a firm no, clean it up, and then take her outside.

Dogs want positive attention. They will do anything for that positive attention.

Have you ruled out medical issues?

No, no indication of any medical issues.

We definitely can try the new puppy training. We generally do not catch them in or near the act. On one occasion each we have be witness. Other than that we are not sure who the quilty party is so it is difficult.

What I should do is alert Alty to this thread. I'm surprised no one else has commented yet. I know there is more to be said about this and how best to work with your pups. Don't give up yet!

Hi there.

I have a few questions before I offer advice.

You've had the dogs for 3 years, if I'm reading your post right. Has this been going on the entire 3 years, or is this a fairly recent thing?

Do you know how long they were in the shelter, and do you know anything about their previous home, their history?

When was their last vet check? Did you talk to the vet about the peeing in the house?

Quote:

Originally Posted by qksnd

Where do they usually pee inside the house? If they pee near a wall or a pile of anything they are marking their territory (assuming they are both male) and it is not a medical issue. Make sure to clean where they pee very very thoroughly! If there is even a hint of smell left behind they will pee again inside the house. Also, reward them lots when they pee outside (with treats and such) so they understand that they only get rewards when they pee outside. But definitely find out who the culprit is so you can tell him 'no' next time you go home to a puddle of pee so he knows peeing inside the house will result in punishment.
Good luck!

How will the OP determine who the guilty party is, and how will she determine that every puddle is attributed to that guilty party? She has two dogs, so it really could be either one, and just catching one in the act, doesn't mean it's always the one dog that's responsible.

Punishment? What do you mean by that?

Do you walk these dogs at all, or just let them in the yard?