My dog keeps peeing in one spot indoors. Is she really house-trained?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Bette Isacoff

  Dog Trainer

  Published on February 25th, 2017

  Please do not ever shove Clover's nose in it again! It does not work, and only makes the dog anzious. If you are scolding her when you find the pee, a few seconds or more after she's relieved herself, this could be creating the problem. Unless you catch her as she's going, it is too late to correct her. She will not make the connection. Put her on a leash and take her outside to her designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as she starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as she goes. When she is finished, bring her directly back inside. If she does not go after a reasonable amount of time, bring her in but do not remove the leash. Attach it to your belt loop and keep her with you. Don’t let her out of your sight! When you see her start to circle or sniff, take her right outdoors again and repeat the process. If she does mess in the house, do not scold her unless you actually catch her in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take her right outside. Tell her to "go outside" and praise as she finishes. Keep her in a crate at night, or for short periods when you are not at home. Always keep her on the leash when you are home until this behavior is eliminated. This way, you can catch her every time and correct appropriately. For further assistance with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 26th, 2018

  With inappropriate elimination it’s always important to rule out medical causes first (like a urinary tract infection). Once medical problems are ruled out the next step is behavior modification. I would recommend that you start from scratch with Bonnie, meaning that you should start re-potty training her as if she were a new puppy. This would mean taking her outside every 30 to 60 minutes, using lots of positive reinforcement when she dies go outside, and crate training her, especially at night. I would also recommend cleaning the areas she has soiled very thoroughly with an enzyme destroying cleaner (like Natire’s Miracle). I understand how this can be frustrating, especially with an older dog. Best of luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Bette Isacoff

  Dog Trainer

  Published on August 3rd, 2017

  Though it is most likely a behavioral problem, I would have her checked by the vet just to be sure. If she refuses to pee, bring her back inside but keep her on the leash. As soon as she starts to circle or sniff (but be watchful, as some dogs do neither!), take her immediately back out, even if she has started to pee. Just give her a sharp "NO!" and go out. Change your tone of voice right away and say encouragingly, "go outside" (or some similar phrase). The trick is not to let her go in the house. Sooner or later she will have to go, and if you are right there with her you can catch her in the act and take her out. You may have to crate her at night to prevent nocturnal mistakes.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful