It’s annoying when your grown-up dog keeps peeing indoors. This happens for various reasons, but it’s important to sort it out.
To start, you need to understand why it’s happening. Your dog might still be learning, getting older, or possibly has a urinary tract infection. Let’s look into these reasons further.
Why Is My Dog Peeing Inside?
The good news is, there are usually simple solutions to stop your dog from peeing indoors. First, let’s figure out why it’s happening.
Your Dog Isn’t Fully House-Trained
Sometimes, the fix is as basic as giving your dog more training:
Establish a routine: Feed your dog and take them outside at the same times every day. For puppies, take them out every one to two hours. If you’re busy, think about getting a dog walker.
Positive reinforcement: Praise and treat your dog when they pee outside to encourage good behavior.
Watch closely: Keep an eye on your dog for signs they need to go, like whining, circling, sniffing, or pawing at the door. Take them outside right away when you see these signs.
Containment: When you can’t watch your dog, keep them in a restricted area or crate that’s big enough for comfort but not too big for them to see as a bathroom.
Your Dog is Marking Their Territory
Dogs sometimes pee indoors to show they’re in charge of their turf, especially if there are new pets or people around. Clean up pee spots right away, as the smell can trigger more marking.
This is more common in unneutered male dogs. Getting your dog fixed often stops this behavior. But if you wait too long, it can be tough to break.
Your Dog is Anxious or Submissive
Does your dog pee when people approach or when there are loud noises? Do they act shy, crouch down, tuck their tail, or show their belly? This could be submissive urination, caused by anxiety or past harsh treatment.
To help:
Keep greetings calm, so your dog doesn’t feel threatened.
Introduce them to new things gradually and positively.
When interacting, get on their level and approach gently.
If your dog is really anxious, talk to your vet. They might suggest medications to calm them down.
Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Some dogs get really anxious when they’re left alone at home. They might bark a lot, chew things up, pace around obsessively, or pee indoors. There are ways to help with this.
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