Address the mess indoors
Please note that before seeking any form of behavioural solution for this problem consult your vet as it may be the result of an infection or due to the dog’s age and over all health.
However with the above conditions eliminated, there can be several reasons you find yourself with an adult dog who, for want of a better way to put it, pees and/ or poops indoors.
Your dog may have been with you since puppyhood and has been housetrained for many years or he may have come to you as a rescue where his history is unclear.
Either way it is a case of back to basics which means outdoor access every hour or as much as possible.
If you are you out during the day try to arrange for a neighbour or someone the dog knows to come in regularly to let him out.
Use a cue word ‘ pee pee’ ‘ toilet’ or whatever ( but make sure everyone uses the same cue) and of course praise him when he goes outside.
If you find him mid- stream indoors then gently interrupt him and guide him outside while using his cue word. Praise even if he doesn’t manage to finish off outside.
Always be gentle with your dog. Don’t frighten him.
Remember every dog wants to please and every behaviour has a reason behind it.
It is likely that his behaviour is rooted in anxiety and that being the case, to shout or punish will exacerbate the problem making him even more nervous and worried.
If he has already messed indoors and you have not caught him in the act then let it go.
A dog’s short- term memory is only five- minutes ( although his long- term memory is much longer) and when you understand this you see how confusing it is to shout a dog for something he may have done hours before.
Remember there are only two reasons your dog is displaying this behaviour:
1) Something is physically wrong. A vet check will uncover this.
2) He is trying to deal with an emotional issue.
In the latter case it is for us as responsible dog carers to unravel his behaviour to discover the cause.
Be patient and always remember if you feel frustrated at having to clean up his mess day in day out, that frustration will also be felt by your dog.
Leave the outdated punitive methods where they belong – in the past - and do not rub your dog’s nose in his mess, shout at him or call him bad.
This does nothing but drive the fearful behaviour more deeply into your dog’s pattern of behaviour.
With kindness, understanding and some simple techniques regularly practiced, you can help your dog become the happy, confident companion he is meant to be.
For more information or to book an appointment please go to www.mayacaninebehaviourist.com.