peeing dog

Question
We just got new couches . My 13 year old chihuahua mix has always been allowed on our couches. These are the first really nice pieces of funiture I'v owned so we don't let the dogs on them. When we leave we put the dogs in our bedroom. She has now peed on my bed three times in he last month. I don't know what to do. Is she mad or should take her to the vet. She has been potty trained and been ood about it.

Answer
Hi Heather,

Whenever an elderly dog has a change in behavior, it's always best to have it examined by a vet. Older female dogs are particularly prone to developing urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections.

Until a medical issue has been ruled out, give your dog extra trips outside, as she might not be able to "hold it".

If there is not a medical reason for your dog not being able to hold her urine, then you do have to assume it's an emotional issue. A change in the household can cause a dog to suddenly have a change in it's house training. New furniture can certainly qualify as such a change, especially if there's been excitement or stress in your home regarding the new furniture.  

Do not allow your dog access to any furniture if you are not around to monitor her. That means keeping her crated, or in a small room, such as a laundry room or bathroom that does not have furniture when you aren't keeping an eye on her, or when you leave the house.
You might want to use a child-gate instead of keeping her in a room with the door closed.

Don't scold or punish your dog for soiling, it's counter productive and can actually cause more behavioral issues. Only if you actually catch her in the act do you discipline. Tell her "NO" in a loud, stern voice. She needs to be startled at that very instant. Then you need to take her outside immediately and give her a firm command to "potty", or use whichever word you used when you originally trained her.

Clean the areas with an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, so she won't be attracted by the smell to re-soil areas where she's gone before.

Assuming this isn't a medical issue, I think with supervision and a little time, this new habit will fall by the wayside.

Best of luck,
Patti