dog vomit training

Question
My husband and I are conflicted on the subject of our chihuahua  when it is sick and vomits on the carpet. He says the dog should be punished in order to train the dog, as all bodily functions should be done outside. I, however, believe that the dog cannot be trained to vomit outside or on the linoleum, as my dog is sick and cannot tell when it is about to vomit. Please inform me to the best of your knowledge.

Answer
Hi Kelly,

No, your Chihuahua should not be punished for throwing up on the carpet, or any place else!

While housetraining is the goal of any dog owner, throwing up is a sign of a problem, or illness. I've never heard of anyone who considers vomiting to be the same as inappropriate elimination.

The action of needing to vomit can come on spontaneously, so it's not like it happens often enough that you could train your dog where to vomit.

Even when the dog is having trouble grasping the concept of housetraining,  it is not useful to punish for inappropriate elimination! Punishment makes your dog more anxious and increases its tendency to urinate submissively. Further, because the urinary (and anal) sphincters may relax during times of stress, the dog may naturally void more out of fear. Your dog may learn to fear and avoid you or to anticipate punishment at social encounters.

If your dog is having a problem with recurring vomiting, a trip to your vet might be in order, but punishment never is called for.

I hope I've been a help.
Patti