New Beagle urinating on couch.

Question
Hello,

Our new Beagle (about 6 years old) has always been an outside dog.  I just got her from the pound, 12-16-08.  We keep her in the house.  No accidents, until today.  She has been using the doggie door.

I came home from work today and she had urinated on our couch!  It has a slip cover and several throws, so the couch cushions were hardly penetrated.  (I've covered the cushins with trash bags).

Can you please, please recommend something I can do, to nip this in the bud?  I hesitate to spank her, since she's new and she has a large fatty tumor on her chest, and if you pick her up, she screams.  Of course I know I have to displine her, but I didn't catch her in the act, unfortunately.

Other than that, she's a wonderful, sweet dog.  Again, she does use the doggie door and only this once, has urinated on the couch.

Thank you so much for any advice.

Answer
It's possible the dog is marking the couch because it is comfortable and she may (at some time in the past) have marked her own bedding.  It's also possible you're seeing the reason this dog was dumped.

It's far too soon for her to have access to your entire house (although I understand you're trying to be kind.)  There's no reason she can't be confined to the kitchen with her own bed, a bowl of water, a few toys, etc.  DO NOT SPANK ANY DOG for any reason.  She won't have any idea why she's being disciplined (although that't not discipline, it's abuse) and any developing trust she has in you will be totally (and maybe permanently) destroyed.  The fact that she screams when you pick her up also worries me considerably.  Although this may be merely her reaction to restraint (hugs and being picked up are considered restraint by a dog that hasn't been accustomed to them), it may also be an indication of PAIN.  A fatty tumor isn't always as benign as it appears.  The dog needs to see the veterinarian ASAP for a full checkup and evaluation.

Confine her to the kitchen when you are not at home.  When you are at home, do not allow her on the furniture for any reason.  Put a lightweight training leash on her; if she gets up onto the furniture, use the leash to gently remove her with the word "off", then praise her for complying.  I'm amazed that she's actually using the doggie door (as a dog not conditioned to one won't do that) and consider the fact that she hasn't (so far) had "accidents" in the house a huge plus.  Offer this dog kind, consistent, patient structure; teach her some behaviors using positive reinforcement training.  Reward what you want; ignore what you don't want.  Keep her off the furniture altogether and give her time to feel safe and comfortable in your home.  And many congratulations for adopting an older dog, one that most people would not want!  You are part of the solution.