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Reader Question: How Do You Stop A Dog From Peeing On The Carpet?

puppy-going-back-indoors.jpgA 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 every time” 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

#1 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.

puppy-pooping-outside.jpg puppy-peeing-outside2.jpg

 

#2 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

puppy-peeing-outside.jpgAs 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.

 

#3 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.

puppy-treats-as-a-reward-for-a-good-dog.jpg hugs-and-kisses-as-reward-for-a-good-puppy.jpg

As a general rule, a puppy can only hold his waste for the same number of hours that he is old, in months. In other words, a four-month-old pup should not be left alone during the day longer than four consecutive hours without an opportunity to go outside. By the time the pup is four months old, he should be able to make it through the night without going outside. — ASPCA

 

Some Things To Try

dog-piddle-pads.jpgI 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!

wiz-dog-indoor-potty.jpgOthers use indoor dog potties, like the UGODOG 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

 

What About When You Catch Your Dog In The Act?

scooping-up-puppy-to-take-him-outside.jpgSome 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!)

The key is to be firm and consistent, while you learn to potty train a dog, reward them for good behavior. Soon you will find that they are getting the idea and start telling you when they need to go outside. When they do start letting you know, make sure you are watching and let them out right away, or you may find yourself back at square one. Source

 

puppy-getting-the-hang-of-going-outside.jpg

Good Books About Housetraining Dogs

how-to-housebreak-your-dog-in-7-days.jpgHappy 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.

puppy-checking-out-adult-dog-pooping.jpg

 

Why? Because dogs typically mimic what they see other dogs doing. (But not always.)

dogs-learn-from-other-dogs.jpg male-dog-jersey-watches-male-puppy-peeing.jpg

Lynnette Walczak

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I frequently write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed several years until switching gears to pursue things I was more passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun websites).

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  • Eric

    Brittany

    Hi, my name is Eric and I am having the same issues with my dog. He is a four year old AmStaff and is the most wonderful dog in the world, but I think I am going to get rid of him if it keeps up. I noticed your comment was left a year ago, and I am wandering if you had any luck with your dog? I would appreciate any advice you may have if indeed you were able to cure your dog. My email is eric.bjorklund@outlandenergy.com, so feel free to email me with anything you may have.

    Thanks

    • Bonnie

      Lynette- PLEASE HELP! A friend “inherited” 2 dogs (7 and 8 yrs old) that were never trained.  They were used to going where ever they wanted as the previous owner just put down newspaper.  He has slowly elimanated the areas with the newspapers, but can’t stop them from peeing and pooping in the hall and in the bedroom.  The house smells horrible and now he has take out the carpet.  He takes them outside and most of the time they go, but still use the hall (where he has taken away the paper).  Do they keep going there as they smell that they did before?  He is desperate.  Please help.  Even if he takes out the carpet, he suspects they will still go there.  Can you use those “puppy trainng pads” with old dogs who never were taught?  His house is very unsanitary as he can’t keep up with them and will not get rid of the dogs as they have become his sweeties.  PLEASE HELP!

      • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

        Bonnie – As long as you stick with it, adult dogs can definitely be trained NOT to go in the house. 

        It will take a LOT of repetition, a LOT of treats, a LOT of patience, and 100% commitment to a new (and consistent) routine.

        Unfortunately, if any one of those is lacking, then the dogs will likely continue to call the shots in this home and pee whenever & wherever they want to. To answer your questions:Yes, they keep going there because they still smell it there, and they’re doing what they’ve always done. Removing the carpet is a good first step, but the flooring is likely to still smell of strong urine unless it’s completely removed with cleansers, etc.Yes, you can absolutely use those puppy training pads with adult dogs. And I would highly recommend it in this case – because they prevent the urine from going through the paper.What it comes down to is this: he must be willing to train them himself and 100% committed to the process until it happens. That’s a lot to ask of some people, but you can’t expect the dogs to change their habits on their own, and any single time they’re allowed to get away with peeing in the house, that’s like 2 steps back toward stopping the behavior.They say it takes 21 days to make something a habit Since these dogs have 7-8 years of doing other not-so-great habits, it will take persistence and time to change their habits. Hopefully, he and the dogs will be able to work together to create change in this household. (Here’s a typical “routine” for taking your dog outside + how to get your dog used to a schedule: http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2012/01/potty-training-a-dog.php)Finally, I am a huge fan of dog crates — especially when used to help modify a dog’s behavior (like peeing in the house). It’s not always easy, but crating the dogs any time they’re not directly within eyesight can work wonders. Especially if the very first thing they’re allowed to do when they get out of the crate is to go directly outside to go to the bathroom.And don’t forget the treats for every single positive step in the right direction that these dogs take. Scolding won’t help, but crating when you can’t watch their every move and rewarding when they do something right will go a long way toward the end result your’re after :-D  

  • Sbrown

    Excuse me! But pls tell me where and when the ‘Dog Whisperer’ (assuming you mean Caesar Millan), ever claimed that scolding or physically abusing your dog had any positive results… you have just pin pointed your own problem… your ignorance and abusive behaviour is a huge contributor to your own problem!

  • Anonymous

    hi, i just got a puppy and we alredy have another dog and its 10 years old and when we feed both of them, are other dog that we have had for many years attacks the other dogs food so the puppy cant eat

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Chelseamatranga – First, I would separate their food stations immediately. Not all dogs have to eat at the same time. Nor do they have to eat right next to each other. Some dogs are food-possessive. Others simply use the food bowl as a way to show dominance over another dog.

      By separating the 2 dogs’ food stations (as in separate rooms, if possible. If not, then opposite ends of the room should work), the immediate food tension should be alleviated.

      After that, it sounds like you need to show the dog you’ve had for many years who is REALLY the boss in this household. (Not physically, or hitting, or yelling… but by your daily actions.) It will be a challenging task that will take some time, but it’s HUGELY important to make it clear to all involved (new dog, old dog, and every member of the household) what everyone’s position in “the pack” is now. You’ll want to research here on this site (aggressive dog, pack leader) and on the Internet.

  • Jaredc1701

    how do I get my 3-6 year old dog (he was escued no way of knowing how old he is) to stop peeing in my living room. This has been a bad habit for almost three years. I give him an angry tone and say no no no out side only, including when he poops.

    When he goes out side I tell him good boy good boy you went out side and I give him a treat when he comes back inside.

    how do I stop him from going in my living room??

    please E mail me at Jaredc1701@cocast.net

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Hi Jared –

      For when you’re NOT at home: Crate him. (It’s not cruel.) It’s a doggie den, and most dogs come to appreciate having their own space — eventually. After the initial “getting used to it period”, the crate typically becomes a dog’s favorite place — a safe, secure & comforting place to be.

      For when you’re AT home: a) watch him like a hawk day in and day out so that you can b) notice when he starts to go and carry him outside before he finishes inside, then c) praise him loudly, wildly, and happily for any minor successes.

      It won’t be “convenient” for you — I know. I too have forced myself to deal with a huge inconvenience like this for weeks on end before in order to work through a particular issue with my dogs.

      So, limiting his ability to roam around the house and instead be confined in the room with you would definitely be a step in the right direction if you want to connect with him and his issue.

      It may mean just closing the door, so he’s always in the room where you are. Or crating him — because most dogs won’t pee in their crates (unless the crate is too large).

      The idea is to always be aware of where he is and what he’s doing at every single moment. You can’t take your eyes & ears off him.

      Then, the moment you notice ANYTHING that seems like he might be starting to pee (or better yet… THINKING about starting to pee!), pick him up and carry him outside.

      If you get even one tiny tinkle outside… praise him like he’s never been praised before! At the same time, congratulate him with “good outside!” (or whatever word you use for going outside).

      Make sure you always have his most favorite treats handy near the door, so there won’t be much of a delay between when he pees outside and when he gets the treat. And, if possible, only give him those most favorite treats when he goes outside — no other time.

      So that’s just my $.02. I speak from experience, along with the things I’ve read. And I know that constant attention, consistency, repetition, and praise are what work best with most difficult dog situations.

      I understand your frustration. I’m sure you’re exhausted and ready to give up. I’ve been there.

      P.S. You never know, there’s also the possibility that he’s got a bladder or kidney problem. I worked at a vet, and that was quite common in small dogs. The vet can offer meds and or other treatment that might cure the problem that way!

  • Tommi Smeltzer

    I have a 9 year old and 3 year old dogs, and from the start with my 9 year old he always peed in the house. He was a rescued dog. He shakes when it rains, hears a horn or doorbell. Almost everything has always scared him. For about 2 years now he pees everywhere in my house; the beds, on cloths, shoes… and also is pooping. My 3 year old is now picking up the habits. I take them out all the time. Go on long walks, and when we come in they still will go pee or poop somewhere in awhile. I work from home, so can put them out whenever they need to go. And if we leave the house for awhile, we put them out and lock them in the in the kitchen. They go to the vet regular and they haven’t found anything wrong with them. We do have a 17 month old daughter now, but they were doing that before she was born. PLease help with any feedback on what to do? I love them so much and I just getting tired of everything nice we have getting ruined.
    you can e-mail me at tommivalley@yahoo.com

  • Michellemohammed26

    I have a 4 month old yorkie-poo. Had him since he was 6 weeks old, Gucci came in peeing on wee-wee pads. There are times he does so well, as far as using the pads, because he is pretty smart! But then theres times he poops and pees in the wrong spots.I believe he does these things to spite me?Its just me and him at home. I think I might of spoiled him, because iI started letting him in the bathroom with me. If Im on the toliet or taking a bath…. Now its getting to be a bit much i want some privacy. When I close him out of the bathroom he has a pile waiting for me or he pees.Im thinking about getting rid of him.He also barks and growls at me.

  • Treasurecarolinepelton

    I have a beagle.
    She used to be a outdoor dog, but now i want her to be indoor to, how do i know when to take her out side to go potty, because every time i turn around she peed or pooped on my carpet. what do i do as soon as she pees or poops on the carpet, ?? do i take her nose and rub it into it and then take her out side were she is supposed to do it, i don’t know’

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Treasurecarolinepelton – You have to watch her like a HAWK. Never take your eyes off her until she’s gotten the hang of potty training. You’re not alone, this is what all dog owners who are in the process of housetraining their dogs do.
      If you catch her in the act, don’t rub her nose in it, just quickly grab her and take her outside to finish her business. Then praise her like crazy if she even goes a LITTLE bit outside. That’s the only way she’ll learn that she’s supposed to go OUTSIDE – it’s where you praise her for peeing & pooping.

  • Gina

    my dog is a one year old pit bull an when i take him out he wont go to the bathroom an he keeps peeing on my carpet

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Gina – try the tips mentioned in the above article.

  • Jason

    My puppy is 5 months old now and he keeps peeing on the carpet even with maintaining a schedule and with all the other tips and tricks above. Sometimes he will do it less than 30 minutes after I’ve taken him outside. Is this just attention seeking behavior. Please help me!

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Jason – the best advice I can offer is to not give up. 5 months is still young. Keep trying. Keep being consistent with the tips mentioned above.
      Most important: Don’t go back in the house until your puppy has done his business outside — even the smallest bit. And the moment that happens (from this point forward until he’s 2 years old… or older!), praise him like he’s never been praised before for going outside. Don’t scold him if he goes inside. Just rapidly carry him outside, wait for him to go at least a tiny bit outside, then praise him LIKE CRAZY. Be sure to call it something (we use “outside”) and incorporate that word into your praise each and every time. Hang with it… it will work :-D

  • Hannah Benstein

    My 8 year old dog, Mikey, has decided that the (sunken) living room is his second potty. He goes outdoors w/o a problem. If I leave him alone or don’t notice where he is, he will go downstairs & pee & poop. I have started leaving him in my bedroom, when I go away, & that works. But, often, in the evening, he will still sneak down there. I have the room blocked off, but I am tired of looking at the
    gate. Is there ANYTHING I can spray the carpet with to discourage him? I praise him VERY rambunciously(sp.) when I return home & give him a treat, as well as praise when we are outoors. H E L P! It’s getting expensive to keep cleaning the carpet!

    • Joey

      Any luck getting your dog to stop using the bathroom inside? What advice were you given? I rescued a pit bull about 6 weeks ago and he does ok as long as I watch him but the moment I leave him alone he peas on the area rug in my living room. FRUSTRATING! I know he knows better because he only does it when I’m not around.

  • andie

    I adopted a shelter dog who had to be housebroken.  She has learned to use the wee-wee pads inside successfully, however she thinks area rugs are just bigger wee-wee pads.  I bought thick clear vinyl and covered all the rugs while she is in potty training but she likes to go on the vinyl now.  I don’t want to live with vinyl on all the rugs forever so how do I keep her from going on the area rug or vinyl and just sticking to the pads?  I never catch her doing her business on the vinyl and I can’t crate her because she has over the top anxiety issues.  Even gating off the kitchen (tile floors) in an open floor plan area gets her so worked up she spends the whole day while I’m gone trying to get out. And to top it off, she refuses to use the pads when gated in the kitchen. 

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      andie – sounds like it’s time to wean her off the pads completely.

  • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

    Many dogs pee when they’re overly excited, or whenever someone pays special attention to them. Usually, it’s completely involuntary, they cannot help it, so don’t reprimand or punish your dog for it. That only makes the problem worse.

    Here are some things you can try:
    1. Ask your guests not to give your dog any attention — especially don’t look her in the eyes until she is completely calm and unexcited around them. Once calm, they can pet her without doing anything that will excite her. Praise your dog for being calm and give a treat.

    2. Have your dog greet house guests OUTSIDE of the home first. Then, you all go inside the house together, calmly, without excitement.3. Keep your dog in a separate room whenever company arrives
    4. Crate your dog whenever guests are around and give her a fun treat — like a Kong filled with goodies during that time.

  • Skye Taylor

    I have a 1yr old chihuahua x jack russel she has been house trained. When she was a puppy up to a certain age i used piddle mats for her to use indoors after that i would take her outside in the morning, at night and any other times she indidcated needing to wee. She’s not pooing just weeing. She was very good at going to use the toilet outside but all of a sudden started weeing on my bed and on the floor unexectedly. If a visitor walks through the door she rolls on her back and wees even if the person hasn’t given her any attention. She has just been spayed the vets said this may help stop it but it hasn’t, I put her out the garden this morning but she runs back in the house and pees in the dog bed. I have two other dogs but they go outside through our cat flap. I scold her by saying no and then showing her where shes meant to go but she doesnt seem to take it in. Also when i take her for walks she will whine a few times before going to poo and wee it seems shes a little shy to go and will try find the most secluded place possible. Please help as this is very frustrating!!

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Does she look like she’s in pain WHILE she’s peeing or pooing… or just before she goes? I hope that it’s not “painful” for her to go for some reason — like a urinary tract infection. Only a vet could determine that.

      Generally speaking, it sounds something like submissive urination to me.

      My American Eskimo had this. It started because he was taken away from his mother way too young, and he never “properly” learned how to pee & poo from her. Instead, he peed and pooped with fear much of the time. If you looked at him in the eyes: he peed. If you moved quickly in his direction: he peed. If you scolded him: he peed. He eventually outgrew it, but it took a long time (a couple of years – it gradually and very slowly got better). I didn’t do anything unique except try to keep guests from approaching him directly, keep from startling him, and tried to build up his confidence slowly over time. Lots of praise and a treat for peeing/pooping on command too. Getting him used to a routine peeing & pooping schedule helped in the long run.

      Research “dog submissive urination” online and see if any of the scenarios sound like your dog. You may find some helpful things that have worked for others.

      I’ve seen some interesting explanations when I searched online for “dog pees on bed” as well. I don’t have any firsthand experience with this though.

      • Skye Taylor

        She doesn’t look in pain , She was taken from her mother at quite a young age that might be one reason. She is a very exciteable dog and gets too excited whenever someone walks in the house she mainly does it around my fiance. she sleeps with me in my bed and when i call her into bed she sometimes pees when she gets on in excitement.

        • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

          Skye – yep, sounds mostly like submissive urination issues. Research that for some helpful tips.