Older dog peeing in the house.

Question
I adopted a dog 6 years ago named Codie. (Collie-Bernese mix) She's an amazing dog but she's recently picked up a bad habit of peeing in the house although she's walked 3-4 times a day. She's been to the vet and they found no trace of a urinary infection. I've cut back on the amount of water she consumes and she still continues to mark the same spot on my rug. I'm starting to think that it's defiance because she only does it when I leave the house. Is it common for dogs to have separation issues? Is it anxiety? If so, what can I do to stop her from peeing?

Answer
Hi, Jake!

First of all, dogs do not have "emotions" the same way people do; they do not hold grudges or express defiance.

It does seem that I'm hearing of more and more dogs with separation issues, but I don't know why.  Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that dogs are pack animals, and when part of their pack (you) is missing, they sometimes can be uncomfortable about this.  Tie that in with the fact that people seem to be gone from their homes more and more these days, the potential is there for a dog to fret.

I'm including some information on removing odors; you will want to read it and do your very best to get the scent out of the rug.

I'm also including information on separation anxiety, submissive/excitement urination, and crate training.  

Having a dog that is comfortable in a crate is a blessing!  Owners don't have to worry about coming home to find surprises or destroyed furniture; if the dog has to go to the vet or be boarded, it is used to being in a crate.  

Although you've cut back on her water, I would suggest taking it up completely after 8 pm, and she doesn't need water in her crate.  As long as she has free access to water while she's out of her crate, she should be fine.

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/submissive-uri.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/clean-stains.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/sep-anxiety.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/crate-train.pdf