Urinating problem

Question
I have a 3 year old Llasa Apso male dog.  He is great at going outside to urinate on command, but if left in the house on his own will urinate indoors.  I think this is because he hates to be alone, but how do I stop it.

Also, I would love to let him upstairs but when I do he pees all the way up.  It is not a deliberate thing, more like the excitement is too much for him.  He has always been this way.  I have had him vet checked and there is nothing physically wrong with him.  Is there anything I can do.  Apart from this he is a joy.

Answer
I would crate him when he cannot be watched.  This should help eliminate the peeing inside as he will not be able to practice the bad habit.  Clean all the carpets with an enzymatic cleaner.  

Is he neutered?  If not, he may be marking his territory-this is very common for mature males.  You can use what is commonly referred to as a belly band, though I would not leave it on him when you are not home-he could tear it off and eat it.  Here is an example of them, though they are very easy to make yourself:

http://www.dog-breeds.net/dog_diaper_belly_band.htm

As far as going upstairs, take him out immediately before you are going to take him up.  Then make it a very low-keyed affair.  Do not use excessive praise or talking, maybe just a "come on, lets go" in a calm unemotional voice.  Once you get upstairs, keep it low key as well.  He may still urinate if you get him excited after the trip up.  After he is regularly going upstairs without urinating, then it is OK to start raising the excitement after he goes up-maybe play sessions if that is what you are doing now.

Keep persevering and you will have the dog you always wanted,
Erica Slomka
Jumpin JACS Dog Training
We Train YOU To Train Your Dog

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