Peeing out of spite

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5 year old male husky that I was given two years ago from the original breeder because his owner "mistreated" him.  Shortly after I got him I moved into a new home and shortly after that he started to pee and poop whenever I would leave.  He stopped only after I made him realize I was incharge by putting him on the floor and putting him on his back and holding him there.  18 months has gone by and all of a sudden a week ago he started doing it again.  What would you recommend I do to correct this behavior?

Thanks

ANSWER: There is no spite in his actions. He is not disrespecting you. To me, it sounds more like he is nervous when you leave. Putting him on his back shows him nothing other than you lack confidence in your abilities as a leader which will subsequently make him more nervous.

I would move away from that heavy handed approach and simply manage his environment a bit better when you leave. Try using Comfort Zone plug in, music, a raw frozen marrow bone to chew on, in other words instead of correcting him, show him why and how you want him to be happier when you are not there.

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

QUESTION: First, thank you for your response.  Second, how would you explain the gap of 18 months in his behavior and the reason I ask is to know what I can do to prevent this in the future.  I was thinking today about any changes I have made to my pattern or his lately and as far as I can remember nothing has changed.  Overall, I cannot think of anything that has changed in our day to day lives.  Thank you again for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Jeff and Jack D. Husky


Answer
It is either medical (possible bladder infection) or behavioral/environmental (something makes him nervous when he is alone.

If it's behavioral/environmental the suggestions that I made previously should help improve his perception of what being alone means and hopefully circumvent a recurrence.

You could always videotape him to get more information...