Causes of Inappropriate Urination

• Anxiety

• Excitement

• Not instituting housebreaking until the dog was older. It is not uncommon for dogs to develop a strong surface preference for an undesirable location or surface. This usually occurs when he has lived in a pet shop for an extended period of time.

Treatment plan with inappropriate urination behavioral tips:

• Strong praise and food rewards when your dog urinates outdoors.

• Vigilant supervision within the house helps you prevent inappropriate elimination and redirects him to more suitable locations when giving signals he is ready to void.

• Mildly correct him if seen urinating in an inappropriate location. Use a water gun, noisemaker, or a loud clap but try not to over startle.

• Do not allow him into an area of the house he might soil unless he is being closely supervised.

• When relaxing with your dog while in a room in your house, keep him on a long, light-weight lead so if he gets up you can watch for elimination behavior.

• Choose a single elimination area outdoors so your dog is more apt to empty his bladder completely when he goes. The goal is for him to develop a new, more appropriate surface preference.

• Keep your dog in a crate when you are not at home.

• If your dog eliminates in only a few inappropriate locations, try temporarily placing a food or water bowl at these sites to discourage voiding there.

• Clean soiled areas with an effective odor neutralizer product such as Urine Off.

• If your dog does not urinate when he goes outdoors – take him back inside and place him in a crate. Go back outside ½ to 1 hour later for another “voiding session”.