Adult Dog House Training Issues

Don't you just hate it when your very adult dog decides to relieve himself in the house?!  Thankfully this is a problem which, with a good plan of action and some patience, can be modified. 

This article will determine:

. Reasons For Lapses In Toilet Training Habits

. Possible Health Issues Affecting The Bowel &     

  Bladder

. Gender Related Factors

. Effective Dog Toilet Training Solutions & 

  Techniques

Reasons For Lapses In Toilet Training Habits

Dogs are largely governed by instinct.  Although you may think that your pooch is old enough to know better or that he is just being plain awkward the chances are that there is a logical explanation for his unwanted behaviour.

Here are some common scenarios:

1.  "He won't go out when its wet or cold!"

The simple explanation is that your dog knows from experience that going outside in the rain will not end in a positive experience.  He does not want to get saturated or cold - who does?!

Solution:  As simple and obvious as it sounds an umbrella can be all it takes to solve the issue.  

Failing that make a small section of your yard or garden under cover (you could use gazebo fabric or even a bit of tarp.  Depending on the size of your dog it will only need to be 2-4 feet in diameter)so that he is sheltered from the elements.  An added bonus is that because you will be taking him to the same spot in the yard all the time he will learn why he is there and begin to "go" more quickly.

A rain coat is another option.

Another helpful hint is to stay with your dog as he may find the weather frightening.  Your presence may make him feel safe enough to do what he needs to do.

2. "He does not just wee and poo in one place - he does it all over!"

Both male and female dogs engage in what is known as territorial marking.  Male dogs tend to be more prone to marking in the home especially if there is a new member of the family or a guest staying.  Males which have not been neutered are also more likely to mark.

Females may be more prone to this behaviour before or during a season.  This could also be due to the fact that females in season need to urinate more often and if they do not have access to outside they may be forced to relieve themselves indoors.

When dealing with urination always wipe it up using a proper cleaning solution.  Soap and water is not effective as the enzymes present in urine will remain unless they are neutralized with special products such as "wee away".  These products are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from most pet stores or even online.

Castration is an option but if you dont wish to go down this route then make sure that your dog is confined when you are not there to watch him.

If you are going to be out of the house for long periods then it is advisable to either put him into day care or make him wear a belly band or nappy.

3. "My dog knows she is doing wrong when she 'goes' in the house but still refuses to go outside when I take her!"

Although dogs are smart they can sometimes get "the wrong end of the stick" so-to-speak.

If you see your dog soiling in the house or come downstairs to find a parcel - your instinct is to reprimand him.  The problem here is that your dog can learn to associate relieving himself with getting told off by you meaning that he may refuse to go to the toilet in front of you - even when he is outside.  

He has to go somewhere so there is a high chance that you will come downstairs in the morning to find he has soiled in the house.  He has decided to go to the toilet when you are not looking so he wont get told off.

If you see your dog begin to soil in the house do not raise your voice or tell him off.  Simply lift him and take him outside.  The when he goes - praise him.

If you come downstairs in the morning and find that he has pooped in the house do not tell him off.  Try taking the excrement outside and then also taking your dog outside to the area you have placed the poop.  When he notices it  - praise and reward him.  You are trying to teach him that this is where you want to find it!

Possible Health Issues Affecting A Dog's Bladder & Bowel

Urinary Tract Infections:

Sometimes house training problems can be due to a medical condition which is why its good to have your dog checked by a vet to rule this out before you begin additional training.

Both male and female dogs can suffer with Cystitis and some dogs are more prone to the condition due to factors such as advancing age, diabetes or long term use of certain medications such a corticosteriods .

Some symptoms of cystitus in dogs are as follows:

Cloudy urine.

An unusually strong odor to the urine.

Painful urination (your dog may spend several minutes straining or squatting but only produce a very small amount of wee-wee).

Female dogs may lick their private parts more often and have a discharge.

Urinating more frequently.

Blood in the urine.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms in your dog please visit your vet.

Orthopedic problems:

Dogs with joint complaints such as arthritis may find squatting or holding their leg up for urination painful which may cause him to "hold it" as long as possible.  Eventually he will not be able to wait any longer which results in him losing control in the house.

Dogs with such problems may also be reluctant to go to the toilet if it is cold outside as the weather may make his joints more painful.

It may be that your dog needs medication to control his pain or that the medication he is presently on is not effective enough.

Remember: Just because your dog does not complain does not mean he is not in discomfort.

Worms and other parasites:

Its important to worm your dog with a quality product as an infestation of worms can cause house training problems.  Runny stools can make it difficult for your dog to control when he needs to "go".

If you are worried about a possible parasite infestation you should see your vet as soon as possible.

Changes In Diet:

If you have recently changed your dogs diet or if your dog is known for necrophagy or scavenging this could easily result in an upset stomach leading to house training problems.

Try and keep garbage out of reach and stop feeding your dog scraps.  Keeping his meal times regular at set times is also helpful.

Changes in diet should be introduced gradually so as not to shock your dog's system.

If after a few days your dog's tummy has not settled down you should contact your vet.

Raw food diets can lead  to a major difference in bowel habits.  Again it is wise to consult your vet.

More suggestions will be published in upcoming articles.