Reader Question: How Do You Stop A Dog From Peeing On The Carpet?
A visitor to this site recently emailed me this question:
I have rescued a puppy and she is a spoiled rotten brat, and she won't quit peeing on my carpet. What can I do? I've tried kenneling her and she gets out everytime. Thank you."
-- Linda T.
Here are my recommendations...
First, I would ask how she "gets out everytime" you kennel her...
With a proper lock on the kennel door, this shouldn't be an issue. Are you using a homemade kennel by chance? Either way, that's your first step... secure the kennel shut.
Also, make sure there is enough room inside the kennel for her to move around -- from end to end -- and fully turn around inside. More tips for using dog crates here and here.
As for ways to stop a dog from peeing on the carpet...
Housetraining Tips To Stop Dogs From Peeing In The House
The most important thing is to get your dog used to "a schedule". In the beginning days, it will be the dog's own schedule that you must adapt to -- whenever they've gotta go, they've gotta go. There's no time to second-guess "does that mean she has to go outside or not?" Instead, always error on the side of caution and presume that ANY sign from your dog means she's got to go relieve herself.
This can be quite frustrating in the early days, because you'll be wrong half the time. And, it consumes a lot of your time when you have to keep your eyes glued on your dog every minute of the day.
Plus, your dog will quickly learn that she can "signal" to get your attention pretty much any time she wants to. Nevertheless, in those first few weeks, every signal should be interpreted as a sign to go outside. Over time, you and your dog will begin to fine-tune those signals together. Don't worry about it, or try to over-think it. This will all come naturally as you and your dog learn to communicate together.
...so long as you are 100% consistent and never show your frustration or anger with her in any way.
Typically, dogs need to relieve themselves at these times:
- immediately after they wake up (this includes mornings and any naps)
- after every meal
- after any rambunctious play time
- after they've ingested a lot of water
- right before bedtime
As for the timing of "after every meal", we always took our puppies out 20 minutes after they ate. Any less than that, and they didn't have to go yet. Any longer than that, and we'd waited too long -- they usually went in the house. But your dog may be on the 10-minute or 15-minute timeframe after eating... you'll figure this out right away.
Another very important factor in your dog's housetraining success: rewards and praise! Every single time your dog squats, pees, or even looks like she is attempting to relieve herself outside, you should give her tons of praise. This includes lots of high-pitched praise, puppy-talk, and smiles. Your dog picks up on these things. Also, if at all possible, always give your dog a tiny treat whenever she relieves herself outside. Finally, your dog deserves lots of hugs and kisses with every successful elimination outdoors. You should do all this until your dog truly "gets it". This means every single time for the next several weeks... or months!
Some Things To Try:
I know a bunch of dog owners who've had tremendous luck with housetraining pads -- otherwise known as "piddle pads".
Some people use these both indoor and out, say for teacup chihuahuas. Especially when they travel. When that's all they're used to peeing on, they sometimes won't go on the grass or anything else!
Others use indoor dog potties, like the puddle stopper indoor pet potty and the wizdog indoor dog potty.
With these, you don't need to buy refills, there are no messy dog tracks, and nothing shreds and gets messy.
Think: a litter box for dogs... but cleaner!
Tips For Housebreaking A Dog
#1 What to do and what not to do -- according to "the experts" at the ASPCA.
#2 6 sure-fire tips to housetrain in one week -- simple and to-the-point, these are the most basic steps to housebreaking a dog.
#3 Paper training a puppy without ruining your floor and staining your carpet -- here are some basic guidelines for paper training a puppy using old newspapers you already have on hand.
#4 Housetraining puppies and retraining adult dogs -- a multi-part article from Animal Planet that covers every aspect of house training dogs of all ages.
Check out this video with some great housebreaking tips for dog owners. This was a video that once appeared on HGTV.
What About When You Catch Your Dog In The Act?
Some people shout "No!" very assertively. Others simply clap their hands and the loud noise will startle the dog stopping her from peeing at that moment.
Either way, quickly take your dog outside to finish her business. And you clean up the mess later. Never scold your dog for making a mess indoors. Other than a forceful "No!" at the very moment you catch her in the act, any scolding after that would not be effective at all. Dogs do not associate prior actions with current scoldings... ever. They just think you're being angry and mean for no reason. (Even if you rub their nose in it... they just don't get it. So please don't do it!)
Good Books About Housetraining Dogs
Happy Housetraining: Train Your Dog Easily & Effectively -- an ebook that's very well respected by Gene Sower.
Questions & Answers On Housebreaking -- an e-book from dog expert Ed Frawley who writes: "I may often come across as a little on the blunt side, (some may call it brash). That is because I consider myself an advocate for dogs and not dog handlers. I am an advocate for common sense dog training and not the latest fad that appears on the horizon."
Remember, Dogs Learn From Other Dogs
If you have more than one dog, then your task of housebreaking a new dog should be a bit easier. This includes learning where to go to the bathroom and how to go to the bathroom.
Why? Because dogs typically mimic what they see other dogs doing. (But not always.)
How can I stop my dog from peeing on my carpet the dogs do have a place where they go but when I put my carpet down after it has been wash they pee and poo on it. when I ask who did this they run to where they are to go pee and poo they do go out side and pee and poo but I feel like they save some just to do it on the carpet. Please help or I will have to let them go and I don't want to do that they are my babies but you see I have hard wood floors and live in Minneapolis so I have to have some rugs. They did not do this in my old apt that had carpet everywhere. I am at the end of my rope.
I HAVE AN 8 MONTH OLD SHIH TZU AND SHE HAS BEEN GREAT WITH PEEING IN HER PADS. I RECENTLY MOVED TO A LOFT FROM A HOUSE AND BOUGHT A RUG/CARPET AND SHE HAD NEVER BEEN AROUND ONE. SHE STARTED PEEING ON IT I CLEANED IT AND PUT REPELLENT ON IT AND SHE STILL GOES ON IT. I HAVE PUT HER IN A DOGGIE FENCE AND MADE A RUN WITH IT AND SHE ESCAPES. I HATE SPANKING HER BECUASE SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I AM HITTING HER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE?
i have a two year old Italian miniture greyhound
and has spanked him scolded him and did everything the dog whisper said and still he pees and poops in the house what ca i do to make him stop and learn to hold it or beg at the door
my dog is 3 years old .i have just have her for 5 months now. she only does this every once in awhile. guess i should tell you what she does . she will pee on her bed or on my mat .how can i stop this
Rick, did you have any success with the re-training? I have the same problem with my dog, it's a beagle and is 10 years old. He is using the carpet as its personal toilet. I could never trained him as a puppy we got kicked out from a few classes, he was too stubburn,,,otherwise he's been great in the last 10 years
Hi Rick,
We just posted an article about housebreaking older dogs. Perhaps that will help.
So I have a 7 year old German Shorthair that within the last month has peed on the carpet 4-5 times and pooped once. Now it isn't totally abnormal for him to do this maybe once every couple of months and I blame myself for not playing with him enough. Due to the economy and losing my job I have been home all the time and he is getting more exercise and play time. I can't crate him because he claws at his crate to the point of annoying the neighbors down below me. So I let him have the reign of the place. So how do you stop an adult dog from peeing in the house? Also does a tail being partially down all the time now indicate something or is he really feeling guilty? One last thing I did have the vet check him out and he is about as healthy as you can get. Please Help - he is killing my carpets and patience!
Brittany, if you're not already used to crating your dog, then this may seem "too hard" or even "cruel" at first. But without hesitation, I would recommend crating your dog whenever you are not in the house with him AND whenever you cannot keep your eyes glued on him while you are home.
I know... sounds like a lot of work, but you're seeking desperate measures, and I firmly believe that crating could be helpful in your situation.
We did it. It trained our dogs respect for our spaces and their spaces. When and where to go to the bathroom. And who's ultimately in control here.
Not knowing your dog or your complete situation, it kinda sounds like your dog has a very specific "issue" and that he is marking his territory -- which could be related to control issues. Even submissive issues could be the root.
Of course, there's always kidney or bladder issues too. As long as health reasons for his behavior have been ruled out, then I think crating is your next best option.
It's only "uncomfortable" (for you and him) for a short time. He'll get used to it, and you will get peace of mind and regain control of your house again.
Just my $.02
P.S. Here's my best article about crating that you might find helpful. (It wasn't always easy for us either.)
How To Survive The Ups & Downs Of Kennel Training
I have a 7year old dog who urinates in certain places indoors. Stryder is let out many times a day, always before he is left alone too. But no matter how long or how many times he relieves himself outside, he will urinate inside. Its hard to find if he has marked inside so I put paper towels on his usual places and that way I know he has gone. When I discover this marked area, he feels bad and cowers. I show him what he has done, scold him, then take him outside. I dont get it! How can he stop this! He has ruined many things by this, it smells and Im tired of cleaning up after this mess a few times a week. PLEASE! help! What should i be doing?
How can I get my 13 wk old Pitbull to stop peeing in her kennel?? I thought dogs would not pee or poop where they sleep??? Not her...she doesn't care.....yet she is 90% housetrained but does have the occasional accident but my fault cuz I didn't notice her go to the door. Please help me to get her to stop peeing in her kennel!! She did hate it at first....but likes it now!
i have the same problem as richard and nancy. I have 2 dogs and never had a problem with them marking in the house but since i inherited 2 more puppies from my elderly parents being too ill to care for them, my house has become a pee pee party. Please help me I can't stand it and so tired of cleaning up pee pee. It's so embarassing there isn't a spot in my living area they don't mark. other than locking them outside 24/7 i don't know what else to do
8 month old puppy golden doodle does not clean her private areas after going potty
We have 3 dogs (2male) they wont stop marking in the new house. Replaced carpet throughout house and no change. They pee outside normally but only mark indoors. Even the use of a kennel does not stop them. How to stop them before I go nuts. Thanks, Richard & Nancy