Help! The New Dog is Peeing in the House

It’s completely logical to expect occasional accidents when you have a canine companion at home. However, it can be very frustrating when an adult dog makes this a routine to relieve himself/herself inside your home. This usually happens when you adopt a grown-up dog who was not housetrained, like a rescue dog. Read on to know the causes and the ways to help your new dog if he/she is peeing in the house.  

Why is My New Dog Peeing in the House?

It is vital to identify the exact reason for inappropriate urination to help your dog with this problem. You simply can’t expect to solve this issue without knowing what’s causing it. Therefore, observe your pup very keenly to figure out the trigger that needs to be addressed. Some of the reasons that can make your new dog pee in the house are as follows:

Lack of House-Training

If the dog you have adopted is not trained properly, the chances of inappropriate urination are extremely high. It becomes even more confusing (for your pup) if you are using dog pee pads in the house. Therefore, it’s necessary to get a complete profile of the canine (before bringing him home) and plan accordingly.

Territory Marking

This is one of the major reasons that can make a new dog pee in the house. Dogs mark their territory to inform humans and other animals that this area (or home) belongs to them. Although marking is generally associated with non-neutered male dogs, any canine can indulge in this behavior. If you find some wet spots on the vertical objects, like furniture, of your home, marking is the most likely cause.    

Overhydration

According to Labrador Training HQ, overhydration can also make your pup urinate in the house. New dogs tend to drink more water because they are nervous or excited about coming to a new place. This extra intake of water means they need to pee more frequently than normal. As a result, the possibility of unwanted accidents increases.     

Medical Issues

There is a wide range of health problems that affect the bladder control of canines. For instance, urinary tract infections and kidney disease are quite popular for causing inappropriate urination. In addition to that, the following diseases can also lead to this problem.

• Urinary Incontinence
• Cushing’s disease
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Tumors

Behavioral Problems

Once your vet has ruled out all the possible medical problems, it’s obvious that your dog is peeing in the house due to a behavioral problem. For example, stress, anxiety, and fear can lead to inappropriate urination in dogs. Likewise, over-excitement or being too submissive can also make your pup pee inside your home.

What Can I Do if My New Dog is Peeing in the House?

It can be extremely irritating to find out that your new dog is peeing in the house. Fortunately, it’s something that can be managed and you can teach your canine friend to urinate appropriately. However, it’s important to identify the exact cause before looking for a solution. The following are some useful steps that can help you to achieve this goal.

Identify the Problem

This should always be the first step because it allows you to understand the situation thoroughly. If your new dog is peeing in the house because he/she is feeling nervous, work harder on his/her socialization. Likewise, if you find that a particular trigger is prompting your canine to pee inappropriately, try to eliminate it. For example, you can keep your pup indoors if he/she is getting intimidated by your neighbor’s aggressive dog.  

House-Train Your Dog

If you have adopted a young puppy, you must invest some time in house-training him/her. Alternatively, if a trained pooch is exhibiting this behavior, you will need to re-train him/her. Simply revisit the training and tell him/her the appropriate place to relieve himself/herself.

Schedule Extra Bathroom Breaks

This is an effective step for minimizing unwanted accidents because the dog doesn’t have to hold for too long. However, you must consider the age, breed, and other important factors to determine how long your pup can hold easily. Additionally, make sure to take your dog to the bathroom after eating, drinking, and waking up.

NEVER Punish Your Dog

Punishing your dog for urination accidents will always cause more harm than good. This is because it will make your pup anxious and he/she will find it harder to control his/her bladder. The Spruce Pets explains that some dogs develop a perception that it’s unsafe to pee when humans are around. This will lead to more indoor accidents because your pooch won’t be comfortable peeing outdoors.

Eliminate the Smell of Urine

Is your new dog peeing at the same spot in the house? If your answer is yes, you are probably not cleaning the area thoroughly. The urine of canines contains a powerful enzyme that cannot be removed by simply wiping the floor. Instead, you will need to use enzymatic cleaners to eliminate the smell of urine, completely.

Hire a Professional

If your new dog continues to pee in the house despite all your efforts, it’s time to get the services of a veterinary behaviorist. He/she will analyze all aspects of your dog’s life before prescribing some specific behavior modification techniques. According to Kristen Levine, he/she may also suggest a few medications, in some cases.