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Dog Toileting Behaviour (House Training) Problems Solved

Dog Toileting Behaviour & House Training Issues Solved

Dog Toileting Problems and their Solutions: Summary

  1. Dog toileting is a normal behaviour but inappropriate urination or defecation around the home cause problems.
  2. Management of dog toileting is important. Block off areas of your home and have a vet check.
  3. Long term solutions involve training your dog to toilet in the correct place, while addressing any behavioural needs such as anxiety reduction.

From the occasional ‘accident’ to the habitual indoor leg lifter, dog toileting behaviour troubles and house training issues can be frustrating for many owners. These dog toileting tips will help…

Why dog toileting can be a problem

1. Age and stage

Puppies often take months to learn to hang on overnight. Provide an appropriate spot for them to toilet. Usually putting newspapers down near the doorway works well.
Senior dogs may become incontinent. Try some pee pads over on under their bedding and be sure to take them out for regular toilet breaks, making sure they can handle steps.

2. Accidents happen

Most adult dogs will have an occasional lapse in cleanliness, perhaps when they are caught short, their exit is blocked or it is raining outside. Most dogs do not like doing this but have no choice.

3. Medical issues

Inappropriate toileting can be a symptom of a medical condition so it is important if your dog has changed their behaviour that have them checked out by your vet.

Vet check

Check with your vet prior to starting any behavioural therapy. You may need to collect a sample of urine for your vet to analyse. Blood test may also be necessary in some cases.

Anxiety can cause toileting behaviour problems

Your dog’s unwanted toileting habits may be a symptom of anxiety, especially separation anxiety, where your dog frets when left alone. Follow the tips given in Dog Anxiety.

Leg lifting is a com dog toileting behaviour, especially in males that are entire

Management of the dog toileting issue

The best form of management for the canine house training problem is to keep your dog out of areas that their urination or defection is unwanted. Close doors in your home and block off areas of your yard that are off-limits.

Take your dog outdoors to their or your preferred toileting spot. Go with them and praise them when they toilet. even put this behaviour on command, saying “Toilet” as they urinate or defecate.

You will need to clean soiled areas of your home. Yes, you can clean with human detergents but you also need to apply an enzymatic cleaner to the area.

Read more about cleaning dog toileting spots.


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