cairn terrier urinating in house

Question
Hi, I have a 2 1/2 year old cairn terrier who was a rescue dog at a year. He wasn't completely house trained when we got him.  I worked with him at the time but he has not been ever been completely trained. He will go as long as 2 months without an accident and then urinate in the house.  This can happen when someone is at home and tske him out or even when he has recently been out.  He is taken for a walk at least twice a day-in the morning and in the evening and he always urinates and defecates on the walks. He hates being in the crate and will run behind the sofa from me if he can tell I'm going to put him in his crate.  I have never used the crate for punishment.  He has been spayed. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I've been thinking about a belly band.  What is your opinion of these. I've never used one before. Thanks, Anne

Answer

Ringing bell to go out Hi Anne.  Belly bands are last resorts for me.  I don't think they really teach the dog anything, but they WILL protect your house from urine.  Better to do some management and training.    

Does he always have accidents in the same place?  If so, block access to that room unless you can monitor 100% of the time.  Clean the floor with an enzymatic cleaner.  If you see him sniffing the area, interrupt him and see if he has to go outside.

Does he know how to tell you he has to eliminate?  Many dogs will bark or whine, but if he doesn't, you'll have to teach him to tell you somehow.  Ringing a bell hanging from a doorknob is my favorite.  Here's an article I wrote with details on teaching this along with other tips for housetraining an adult dog:  http://www.azgreyhoundrescue.org/index.php/resources/articles/82-house-training-

Management, monitoring, consistency and patience - all required for tough housetraining cases. Here are key points for you:

(1) Control the environment - Don't allow him access to the areas he's had accidents in for at least 2 weeks.

(2) Management - No freedom in the house until you've been successful with #3 below.  If he doesn't crate easily, confine him to a small room closed with a baby gate.  Laundry rooms or bathroom are great for this.

(3) Training - Teach him to ring a bell.  Go outside with him and reward him when he does what you want (potty outside).

Please let me know if you have questions.