How To Stop Dogs From Peeing In The House

Dogs are known for being loyal and lovable companions. They can provide us with years of happiness and friendship, but they can also be a little bit costly.

One of the most common problems dog owners face is house soiling – otherwise known as dogs peeing in the house.

This can not only lead to stained carpets and furniture, but it can also cause your home to smell terrible.

If you’re struggling to keep your pup from making messes inside, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’re going to share some tips on how to stop dogs from peeing in the house, and what NOT to do when your dog does.

Let’s start!

6 Reasons Why Is Your Dog Peeing in the House?

Medical Issues

If your dog starts peeing in the house all of a sudden, it might be a sign that something is wrong. urinary tract infection, kidney disease, bladder stones, or diabetes could all lead to increased urination and accidents indoors.

If you think your dog’s accidents might have a medical cause, take them to see the vet as soon as possible.

Old Age (Dementia Or Senility)

As dog’s age, they can sometimes develop dementia or senility. This can lead to a loss of bladder control, and accidents in the house.

If your older dog starts having accidents indoors, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. Once any potential health problems have been ruled out, you can work on managing your dog’s accidents with some of the other tips in this post.

Stress Or Anxiety

Dogs can sometimes start peeing in the house when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This might be due to a change in their routine (such as a new baby in the family), another pet in the home, or even something as simple as a loud noise outside.

If you think your dog’s accidents might be due to stress or anxiety, try to identify what’s causing their distress and see if you can remove the trigger from their environment.

Marking Territory

Some dogs will start to pee in the house as a way of marking their territory. This is most common in male dogs, but can also happen with females.

If you think your dog is peeing indoors to mark their territory, you’ll need to neuter or spay them as this will help to reduce their hormones and stop the marking behavior.

In the meantime, try to keep your dog away from areas where they’ve previously marked their territory, and clean any accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent.

Poor House Training

The most common reason for dogs peeing in the house is simply that they haven’t been properly trained.

If your dog isn’t taught where it’s appropriate to go to the bathroom, they’ll often just relieve themselves wherever they please. This is why it’s so important to start house training your pup as soon as you bring them home.

Submissive Or Excitement Urination

Some dogs will start to pee when they get excited or feel submissive. This is most common in young puppies, but can also happen with older dogs.

If your dog is urinating due to excitement or submission, you’ll need to work on helping them to feel more confident and relaxed around people and other animals.

This might involve socialization classes, obedience training, or even just letting them get used to being around other people and animals in your own home.

How To Stop Dogs From Peeing In The House – 8 Things You Can Do Today

Now that you know some of the reasons why your dog might be peeing in the house, let’s look at 8 things you can do to stop them.

#1 – Train Your Dog Using Positive Reinforcement

One of the best ways to stop your dog from peeing in the house is to train them using positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they go to the bathroom in the appropriate place, and ignoring them when they have an accident indoors.

Start by taking your dog to their designated potty spot frequently, and praise them lavishly when they relieve themselves there. If they have an accident in the house, simply clean it up without making a fuss.

With time and patience, your dog will learn that they’re only rewarded for going to the bathroom outside and will be less likely to have accidents indoors.

#2 – Identify The Trigger For Peeing Inside (And Rule Out Medical Condition)

It’s important to try and identify the trigger for their accidents. This will help you to avoid the situation altogether, or at least be more prepared for it.

For example, if your dog is peeing indoors due to anxiety or stress, you’ll need to work on helping them to feel more relaxed in their environment. This might involve training, desensitization, or even medication.

Before you can start to work on fixing the problem, it’s important to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing your dog to urinate indoors. 

This is especially true if your dog is having accidents in new places or suddenly starts peeing more frequently.

#3 – Give Frequent Potty Breaks

If your dog is prone to accidents, it’s important to give them more frequent potty breaks. This will help to prevent them from getting too full and having an accident indoors.

Take your dog out every few hours, even if they don’t seem like they need to go. It’s also a good idea to take them out after they eat or drink, as this is when they’ll most likely need to relieve themselves.

#4 – Keep Your Dog In The Same Room With You Before Potty-training

If you’re potty-training a young puppy, it’s important to keep them in the same room as you at all times. This will help to prevent accidents, as you’ll be able to take them outside as soon as they show signs that they need to go.

You can use a crate or puppy pen to confine them to the same room as you, or simply keep them on a leash so they can’t wander off.

#5 – Get Your Dog Spayed Or Neutered

If your dog isn’t already spayed or neutered, this is something you should consider doing. This simple surgical procedure can help to reduce the number of behavior problems, including urine marking.

If you get your dog spayed or neutered, this will help to reduce the urge to mark their territory and should help to stop them from urinating indoors.

#6 – Confine Your Dog In A Dog Crate When You Are Not Home

If you’re not home during the day, it’s important to confine your dog in a crate or another safe area. This will prevent them from having accidents in the house while you’re gone.

Be sure to give them plenty of exercise before confining them, as this will help to tire them out and reduce the likelihood of them having an accident.

#7 – Clean Up Properly After Every Accident

If your dog does have an accident in the house, it’s important to clean up properly afterward. This will help to remove the scent of urine and discourage them from peeing in that spot again.

Use a pet-safe cleaner and be sure to clean the area thoroughly.

#8 – Get Professional Vet Help

If you’ve tried all of the above and your dog is still having accidents in the house, it’s time to get professional help. Talk to your veterinarian about your options and see if they can help to identify the problem.

In some cases, medication or behavior modification might be necessary.

What NOT To Do When Your Dog Pees in the House 

There are a few things you should avoid doing if your dog has accidents in the house.

Avoid Punishing, Hitting, Or Screaming At Your Dog

This will only serve to scare them and make them more anxious, which can make the problem worse.

Never Ignore The Problem

This will only allow it to continue and could make your dog more anxious or stressed.

Never Leave A Pee Behind

Urine left behind can actually attract your dog to pee in that same spot again, thus, furthering the problem.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to stop your dog from urinating indoors and help them to feel more comfortable in your home. Just be sure to be patient and consistent, and you’ll eventually see results.

People Also Ask

Conclusion

If your dog is urinating indoors, there are several things you can do to stop them. Try to keep them on a regular bathroom schedule, clean up accidents properly, and consider using a crate or puppy pen when you’re not home.

You can also try using repellents or training aids to help deter your dog from urinating inside. If you’ve tried all of these things and your dog is still having accidents, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian.

They can help to rule out any health problems and give you additional tips on how to stop your dog from urinating in the house.

How are you preventing your dog from peeing in the house?