Accidents in the house

[KellyB]

Hi everyone . . . I need some help/insight

My husband and I adopted a Chi mix about a month ago from a shelter. She was housebroken by the foster family that had her, and by being very strict with crate training and giving her limited freedom at first and gradually increasing, we were able to maintain that . . . Until today. For whatever reason, she peed in the house TWICE! That has never ever happened before.

The first time was when I went to take her out first thing in the morning (about 5:30 am). I thought maybe it was just an accident and that she couldn't hold it . . . at that time I didn't make a big deal and told her no and took her directly outside where she finished her business. The second time was after we had been outside on her walk and playing in the yard for about 40 mins. I took her to her bathroom spot and waited 5 mins, she didn't go so I took her in, and she immediately ran to a blanket that she plays on and peed. What could be going on and how can I nip this problem in the bud TODAY!

[MrsRottie]

She's obviously regressing on some way.

I don't want to pee on your bonfire, but you will be extremely lucky if you can stop this overnight!

When she peed first thing in the morning - was it while you were talking to her? Please could you explain exactly what happened ie you went in the kitchen and then.....
It could have been a submissive pee which is why I ask...

About the blanket - I think she's been paper trained, hence the regression. She's very confused about where to go and that seems like it could be a good place. try laying paper down overnight and see what happens.

Don't use bleach to clean up the wee - it leaves an ammoniacal odour which can actually encourage them to go there again. Use a solution of bicarbonate of soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) which neutralises the acid, or biological washing powder (be careful if you use this - it tends to leave the floor quite slippy!)

If she starts to pee in front of her, clap really loudly to shock her into stopping, pick her up (chi mixed with what? LOL don't pick her up if she's crossed with an irish wolfhound) take her to where you want her to go and tell her to pee. Did her foster parents teach her to pee on command? Might be worth asking if they did....

Most importantly, be patient calm and kind. If she gets stressed about it, all she will do is start to hide when she pees. And it's much harder to get rid of the smell from behind all those nooks and crannies that a little girl can get into than just off the floor.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on.

[KellyB]

The first time it happened, I took her out of her crate, where she sleeps and she was standing in front of the door while I was putting on my shoe and she started, so I startled her to get her to stop and then took her out and she finished. I didn't scold her though b/c I thought that she just couldn't wait. But the second time, she had been out for a long time and given a lot of opportunity to go, I told her to go potty and gave her 5 minutes to do it before we went in and she immediately went and peed on her blanket.

I almost think she's testing me for some reason, so see what she can get away with.

[Cheetah]

When you're potty training a dog at any age using the crate, and you take them out and they don't do their business, you're supposed to take them straight back in and crate them for a while longer... no playing in the house until they've finally done their business outside. >^_~<

[KellyB]

She was on her way to her crate, the blanket is right beside it, so I really didn't let her play, I was just getting her to the crate. I guess I should have kept her closer to me . . .

[p0g03]

First I would take her to the vet to rule out a urinary trac infection. If she is clear on that..... then yes she is probably testing you or is having a hard time adjusting just be persistent with the training you are doing and once she feels comfortable with her new home and that you are the boss she will probably get back on track.
As for accident spots you can find Natures Miracle at any pet store it will get rid of stains and odor to prevent her from resoiling the spot.

[keeks62]

I had a similar situation where my dog started to seemingly regress. Our dog trainer told us to bring a treat outside with us so that when she went to the bathroom outside, she was immediately rewarded for it.

Also, after the first accident in the house, you should go back to square one with the crate training, only 10-15 min at a time outside the cage again. I hope this helps!

[nancy]

I rescued a 5 month old puppy from a rescue in Dec. every time she stood up I put her lead on and took her outside for the loo with a treat , we had 2 wees and one poo before she started going to the door and barking to get out, I still give her a treat when she does it on command. I have a crate but only use it when we are out and she still goes in it to sleep at night but now with the door open. How old is your puppy she could'nt be comming into season could she ? They wee a lot more at this time and it could explain why she has started doing it again. Try putting your shoes on before you take her out of the crate even open the door let her out and get her strait outside. Make a big fuss of her when she gets it right she will soon learn. Good Luck.

[MrsRottie]

Just a thought - have you changed your flooring in the house at all? Or asked the dog to pee somewhere other than she normally does?

Only all of mine peed everywhere when I got a tiled floor - it confused them, and also when I fenced off my grass (coz they were digging it up) they started peeing in the house again.....