Dogs Potty Issues

Dog Potty Problems

There are many problems that can happen when it comes to a dog's bladder. It is not always an immediate issue of a dog not wanting to go outside sometimes it is a matter of them not being able to hold it that long or simply not understanding the boundaries between inside and outside.

What any dog doesn't want to do for sure is to go to the bathroom in what they consider their home. The problem is that often they are confused where their home is, so we need to teach them this. This is hardwired not to release themselves where they live in order to avoid diseases especially in the wild. This is one of the primary reasons a dog will hold their urine for so long when you leave the house ‚they don't want to make a mess in their home.

The real issue comes in when a) the dog doesn't understand that the house is their home and is not trained to tell the difference and b) when the dog is not taken outside often enough to relieve itself. So, the first thing we need to do is determine which category your dog falls into and what the quickest and easiest way to solve the problem is.

Consistency and Small Breeds

Assuming a dog has been at least partially housebroken, the first thing you need to ask yourself is whether the dog is being taken outside often enough. This comes up most commonly with small breeds like pinschers, Yorkshire terriers, dachshunds, or pugs, dogs that have small bladders and minimal insulation. Remember that no matter what is the weather like or how busy you are you still must take your dog outside at least every morning and every night. They figure that allowing their dog to make a small mess inside won't hurt them and it is easy to clean up.

Unfortunately, while a single mess might not seem like a big deal at the time, it can actually cause a number of problems further down the line. If your dog has been trained and knows where is their home they would never want to release themselves inside and will always be waiting until you take them outside. It is their home and they are more comfortable going outside. Imagine how comfortable you would be relieving yourself in the kitchen sink instead of in the bathroom.

Secondly, a dog that is allowed to make a mess inside will never learn that the bathroom is outdoors. Dogs can not naturally distinguish where is inside and where is outside in a human house. So, it is your responsibility to teach them this.

Handling Potty Problems

If your dog makes messes on the floor, the easiest thing to do is to start from scratch. Crate training is a very effective tool because it gives the dog a smaller space to claim as their own, tapping into that instinctual desire to not make a mess where they sleep. If you don't have a crate or can't afford it, you can use a separate room in your household instead of a crate. Create a routine that allows the dog to go to the bathroom at the same time every day, and when the dog does their business outdoors, make sure to praise them profusely. On the flip side, do not get angry if your dog makes a mess inside.

Attempt to startle them with a sharp noise, such as clapping your hands, and then take them outside immediately so they begin associating outdoors with relieving themselves. Punishing your dog for making a mess inside your household will make the situation worse bringing other behavioral issues and will get you nowhere. The dog is incapable of understanding why they are being punished before they fully understand that they are not permitted to go to the bathroom indoors.

Also make sure that all the spots on your carpet and urine odor is removed. Remember that what humans can't smell, dogs can easily smell. Dogs, on the other hand, can still smell their markings and will return there later. If you have two or more dogs they may try to pee on those marks to establish their dominance over each other. This is the last thing that you want, so just clean the carpet and do a good job.
PS: if you want to learn about potty training Yorkie puppies go to potty training Yorkie puppies. If you want to learn how to stop and prevent Yorkshire terrier health problems go to Yorkshire terrier health problems. If you want to learn about potty training a Yorkie go to potty training a Yorkie.