urinating after being let outside

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 year old female basset hound who I
adopted
from a shelter.I let her out frequently, but on occasion she urinates on the rug after coming in from outside.It's not a full urination, but a little puddle.
She has seen the vet on a regular basis and she is healthy.
Is this a common thing in a basset hound? We've had other dogs(all from shelters) and this was never a problem,but this is our first bassett hound.
Can this be corrected?
Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Joanne,

How frequently is 'on occasion'?  And is she only peeing on the rug?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: About 3or 4 times a month.
Where she goes varies, sometimes on the rug and sometimes on the floor.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Joanne,

Depending on the type of shelter you got her from, she may be used to toileting indoors.  (In a kennel, cage, etc.)  Any dog adopted from a shelter situation should be assumed not house trained and started over from the beginning.

Letting her out frequently is a good plan, but unless you're going out with her, you can't be assured that she is toileting.

Clip on her lead, walk her outside to one spot in the yard, tell her 'go potty'.  When she does, praise and walk her back in.  Potty time and free time should be separated by about 5 minutes (free time is when she's permitted to walk out the door leash free).

A lot of dogs will run outside, toilet a bit and then get interested in other things and/or want to come back in in a hurry, not finishing completely.  If you walk her out and stand with her, you can supervise toilet time and be sure she's actually going.

Wash the rug with a good pet cleaner.  These have enzymes that remove the smell of urine completely.  Wash the floors as well and use the cleaner to mop up accidents.  The smell of urine is an attractant.

If the vet has done a urinalysis on her, go with the healthy diagnosis.  If he's not, you may want to have it done just to rule out any kidney/bladder issues 100%.