Why is my puppy barking when trying to pee or poop? Is she in pain?

Hello there! Thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Perhaps there is something that has recently frightened her out in the yard or garden. There is also the possibility she is having pain while urinating and/or defecating and therefore may be associating the area she goes wee and poo with the pain she may be experiencing. I think the best thing to do in this situation is encourage to go out (perhaps join or accompany her) or take her for a walkie to see if she goes then. If not and you are still concerned, especially if she hasn't passed urine or stool soon, then I would recommend you see your veterinarian for an exam. A urinary tract infection can cause pain during urination and constipation can cause pain during defecation. I would want to be sure there is nothing more serious going on if this behavior continues. Best of luck to you and Cindy!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may be constipated. You may add a bit of canned pumpkin to her meals to help with that. If no improvement is noted, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While it is normal (although frustrating) to have “good” days and “bad” days while house training a puppy, the episodes you describe may be an indication of something more serious, such as a UTI. This is definitely possible if Phoebe is straining to urinate, urinating small amounts, or has reddish colored urine and if you notice her licking her vagina more frequently. If these signs continue, she should definitely be seen by a vet as soon as possible. I hope all is well!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pippin! Sometimes dogs as they reach social and behavioral maturity between 2-3 years old will have changes in behavior and that includes anxiety. Another possibility is that something triggered this fear of being alone outside: fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. I would try to desensitize her so eventually she will go out on her own. I would recommend contacting or seeing your Vet for medications. I would prescribe prozac and a short acting sedative while you help her through this. It hopefully will not be a permanent thing but to be used long enough to hopefully fix the problem. While she is on the medications you will have to go out with her every time she is outside. Start with a leash then get rid of the leash and eventually get further and further away to the point you can maybe stand at the door where she can see you. If that goes well maybe she will go on her own with you inside. It will not be a quick process. It will take time and effort on your part. Good luck!

Please do not correct Damon's behavior as he is doing exactly what you taught him to do. He does not associate barking to go outdoors just to pee, he associates barking with a chance to just be outdoors. I am sorry if this is annoying, but you & your mom should be very glad that he announces his intentions. He is still quite young, & his need to go out should go down as he gets older. Have patience & continue to reward him for good behavior. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are daily variations in the defecation routine so this is not necessarily abnormal. I would not be too concerned about this as you will most likely not run into this issue. Have a great day!

H, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly if she is is going in the house she still isn't fully house trained. All rooms with doors should be closed and she needs to be gated to be kept in your site. Or she needs to be leashed to an adult until this behavior has stopped. The area she is soiling needs to be cleaned with an enzymatic pet cleaner, like Nature's Miracle. She needs to be take out frequently and verbally praised, as well as given treats, when she goes outside. Play with her for 5-10 mins. If she doesn't go outside she is crated or leashed to an adult until you take her out again. This training should go on for 3 months and she can have free reign of the house once there are no accidents for those 3 months. You can have her urine checked for crystals or infection by your Vet and consider having her spayed to see if that helps. I wish you the best!