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Question: Why would housebroken dog pee on couch ? new home?

(Posted by: on 2008-02-16 13:48:07)

My mom in law got a 2 year old poodle today. the previous owners said he was 100 % housebroken. well he urinated outside 3 times, then she took him in her home for the first time...he ran right to her leather sofa and peed! he is a male but shouldnt a housebroke dog have control? also he hates crates! when put in that he howls! he is 100 % poodle about 12 pounds. should all food and water be taken up by 5pm? i know dogs mark territory...but he was guaranteed hosebroke! any thoughts?

Posted by: arkpudel on 2008-02-16, 13:59:06

"housebroken " and "marking " are not the same thing. If this is a male that is not fixed, then he's marking his new terrirtory. I would have the little guy fixed-

Posted by: RunningisLife31 on 2008-02-16, 13:59:52

This has happened before to me (I foster dogs before they are adopted to families) Take a look at this expert advice--and good luck! en.allexperts.com/ q/ Canine-Behavior-3553/ Dog-peeing-house.htm

Posted by: Natasha on 2008-02-16, 14:01:31

It's perfectly normal. He's in a new environment. He'll get use to things over time, but until then, be use to re enforce the new rules. And don't let the little poodle run your life. If you want him in the crate, keep him there no matter how much he howls. He'll just have to learn to selp soothe. That's what I did with my 9 week old pup.... she's now 7 months old and goes in her crate to sleep all on her own. Good luck with the new pooch :) hope that helps

Posted by: Doggiepantz on 2008-02-16, 14:02:53

He's marking his territory

Posted by: coffee on 2008-02-16, 14:03:03

New house is correct. Dogs will not urinate in what they view as their "home " (sleeping/ eating place). Anything else is fair game to mark to define their territory. It may take awhile for him to work it out in a new environment (up to 3 months to get used to a new setting and new set of rules). Be patient and consistent. Also, enrolling in training classes would be a good idea.

Posted by: Love Training on 2008-02-16, 14:04:45

Any dog that is rehomed should be treated as if it isn't potty trained. That includes dogs that remain with their owners and move to a new house. It sounds more like a marking issue than a potty training issue, but I'll give you potty training advice as well. I would enroll ASAP in a training class to establish myself as the "top dog " in the house. And, when he howls in the crate, IGNORE him. Stuff cotton in your ears if you need to. Here's the potty training advice: First off, confine him when you can't supervise. I can't stress enough the importance of this. For potty training, use a crate that is only big enough for her/ him to comfortably stand, lie, and turn around in. He should not be able to potty in one end and lie down in the other. Make sure he's not confined for too long -- generally the age in months plus one hours (so 5 hours for a 4 month old pup). Every time you take him out of his crate take him outside. He should be on a leash. You should go through the same door every time. Take him to where you want him to potty and start repeating his potty command until he finishes. Then treat him and let him play or go for a walk. Put food and water on a schedule. Give 20 minutes to eat and then pick food up until next scheduled meal. Give water every hour (or when he's obviously thirsty.) By scheduling meals and water, you are able to predict when he will need to relieve himself. Put him on leash and take him out. Watch for behaviors that tell you he needs to go out: circling, squatting, sniffing,crouching, .... I have clients who tell me their puppies won't go while they are outside, only to come inside and make a mess on the floor! If you find this to be a problem, give him a reasonable amount of time outside and if he doesn't go confine him for 15 minutes when you come back inside. At the end of that time, take him back out. Repeat this process until he goes. By doing this, you are teaching him that he will earn his freedom by pottying where it's appropriate. Lastly, basic obedience training really can help. It clarifies leadership for your dog (and sometimes for the owners as well :) ) HTH

Posted by: Megg on 2008-02-16, 14:05:18

If he is not neutered, it is because he might smell another animal and is marking his territory. Or he is just trying to get his scent around the house. I had the same problem with my Saint Bernard. Get him neutered, he wont hike his leg in the home (unless he isnt potty trained) and he wont be AS hyper, if he is at all.

Posted by: srbyn1 on 2008-02-16, 14:17:29

Would you want to be crated? Why not get a baby gate & fenced in off into like the kitchen or any room with NO carpet, & lay down plenty of newspaper, when you can't tend to him? He's NEW, & he's a MALE, & this is a Male-thing, normally; in your case, though, it sounds as if the little guy's Nerves are shot, from going into a new home with new people. He needs time to heal & adjust, but you need to watch him very closely & be ready to RUN. It's really hard for a little guy that age to be shifted to someone else. Just give him a lot of love, & take him outside every hour until he's learned to adjust & start liking his new home.