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Why is my 8-month-old male Shih Tzu suddenly peeing on everything?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 5 lbs

My Male Shih Tzu is 8 months old and he is starting to pee everywhere. When he was smaller he refused to pee on concrete and rocks, grass and inside only. Now that he is fully potty trained he only pees in the grass, but for a couple of weeks hes been peeing on our trash can inside the house and out side on the grill, the kids basketball stand, and a beach chair. He will pee there first or pee in the grass first then 45 seconds later he goes to the concrete to pee on those three things. HELP

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Bette Isacoff

Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on November 4th, 2018

You have one probable and another possible problem. Trappy has discovered his male self and has begun to mark his territory. Additionally, there may be a bitch in heat somewhere in the general vicinity of your house (a dog can detect the scent of a bitch in season from quite a distance away). He is at the ideal age to be neutered, so I would suggest that first of all. Then, you need to re-housetrain him. Put him on a leash and take him outside to his designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as he starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as he goes. When he is finished, or if you think he has stopped before his bladder is empty, or he does not go after a reasonable amount of time, bring him directly back inside. Do not remove the leash. Attach it to your belt loop and keep him with you. Don’t let him out of your sight! When you see him start to circle or sniff, take him right outdoors again and repeat the process. If he does mess in the house, do not scold him unless you actually catch him in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take him right outside. Tell him to "go outside" and praise as he finishes. Keep him in a crate at night, or for short periods when you are not at home. For further assistance with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult. Good luck!
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