How to Stop a Dog from Peeing in the House: Effective Care and Training Tips

Dealing with a dog peeing in the house can be frustrating for any pet parent, but it’s a common issue that can be resolved with patience and the right approach. There are various reasons why a dog might be having accidents inside, ranging from medical to behavioral causes. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s causing the behavior before trying to correct it.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to identify the cause and provide effective training strategies to help stop indoor accidents. With the right care, you can ensure your dog stays house-trained and happy – and your floors stay pee-free!

Understanding the Causes of Indoor Peeing

Before you can deal with your dog’s indoor accidents, you’ll need to identify the cause. There are two main types of causes: medical and behavioral. Let’s take a closer look at each one and how they can contribute to your dog’s peeing habits.

Medical Causes

Dogs peeing in the house can sometimes point to health issues. Here are some medical reasons why your dog might be having accidents indoors:

  • Urinary tract infections. A UTI can make your dog feel the need to urinate more frequently, often leading to accidents inside. Look out for signs of a UTI such as discomfort while urinating, frequent licking, or bloody urine.
  • Bladder stones. These painful stones can lead to difficulty holding urine, resulting in accidents. Your dog may strain to urinate, have blood in the urine, or appear uncomfortable.
  • Incontinence in aging dogs. Older dogs can develop bladder control issues, often leaking urine or having accidents while asleep. Medication can help manage this issue, but it’s essential to rule out other underlying health conditions.

Behavioral Causes

If your dog is physically healthy but still peeing indoors, the issue may be behavioral. Here are a few reasons why this might be happening:

  • Urine marking. Some dogs mark their territory by peeing indoors, especially if there’s a new pet or person in the house. Neutering or spaying can reduce this behavior.
  • Separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety may pee in the house when left alone. Signs of anxiety can include pacing, whining, or destructive behavior alongside the peeing.
  • Submissive urination. Some dogs, especially puppies, may urinate out of submission when they feel intimidated or overly excited. This typically happens when meeting new people or being scolded. No need to feel guilty — your pup just needs a little confidence boost!

How to Identify the Cause

Figuring out why your dog is peeing in the house starts with careful observation. Watch your dog’s behavior to determine whether the issue is health-related or behavioral. If your dog pees frequently or seems uncomfortable, it’s time for a vet visit to rule out medical causes like a urinary tract infection or bladder stones.

If your dog is healthy but peeing in response to specific situations, such as being left alone or during loud noises, the issue is likely behavioral. In these cases, identifying the triggers can help you determine the right training strategies.

Pay attention to whether your dog is marking territory, displaying submissive postures, or struggling with bladder control. Once you know the underlying cause, you can take steps to address it.

Effective House Training Strategies

Training your dog not to pee in the house requires consistency and patience. Establishing good habits is key to long-term success, and it’s important to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Here are some effective strategies for house training your dog:

dog licks persons face as they give them food

Establish a Consistent Routine

Creating a regular schedule for potty breaks is essential to house training. Puppies and dogs thrive on routine, so take them out at the same times each day, especially after meals and naps. Here are some quick tips to help you get started:

  • Take your dog to the same designated elimination area each time to help them understand where they’re supposed to go.
  • Use verbal cues like “go potty” and reward them immediately after they go outside.
  • If your dog has accidents, don’t punish them. Instead, calmly clean up the mess and continue with your training routine.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your pup. Whenever your dog pees outside, be sure to praise them and offer a tasty treat. Our Earthborn Holistic Baked Treats are a perfect choice for celebrating their good behavior! 

Remember: praise, treats, and maybe a happy dance are your best tools to teach your dog where to go! The goal is to create a positive association with peeing outside. Consistently rewarding good behavior helps reinforce the habit of going in the right place.

Crate Training and Confinement

Crate training is an effective way to prevent accidents when you’re not able to supervise your dog. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can encourage them to hold their bladder. Here are some simple tips to help make crate training successful:

  • Ensure the crate is the right size, with enough room for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around.
  • Make the crate a safe, comfortable space for your dog by adding bedding and toys. Start with short periods in the crate and gradually increase the time.
  • Ensure your dog gets regular bathroom breaks to prevent accidents while in the crate.

Confining your dog to a small area when you’re not home can also prevent accidents. Use baby gates to limit their access to the house until they’re fully house trained.

Addressing Urine Marking and Submissive Urination

Some dogs pee to mark their territory or show submission, but there are ways to minimize this behavior. By understanding why they do it and using consistent training, you can help your dog build better habits and improve their behavior over time. Here are some tips to address urine marking and submissive urination:

dog grabs treat from person

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Neutering or spaying your dog can significantly reduce urine marking, particularly in male dogs. Hormonal behaviors often decrease after the procedure, and marking is less likely to occur indoors. However, female dogs can also mark territory, so spaying can help reduce this behavior for both male and female pups.

Eliminate Urine Odors

Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and they may return to the same spot to pee if the scent remains. Use an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove urine odors from carpets or furniture, preventing future marking. No more coming back to that same suspicious corner!

Building Your Dog’s Confidence

For dogs that struggle with submissive urination, confidence-building exercises can help. Avoid scolding or hovering over your dog, as this can increase their nervousness. Instead, focus on rewarding calm behavior and gradually exposing them to new situations to build confidence.

Preventing Future Accidents

Once you’ve worked on house training, it’s important to stay consistent to prevent future accidents. Here are some tips for long-term success:

Watch for Signs of Needing to Go Out

Dogs often show signs when they need to pee, like pacing, sniffing, or circling. Pay attention to these signals and take them out right away to prevent accidents. For senior dogs, these signals might be subtler, but keeping an eye on them is key to preventing accidents.

Interrupt and Redirect

If you catch your dog in the act of peeing indoors, interrupt them with a calm “no” and immediately take them outside. When they finish peeing outdoors, reward them to reinforce the behavior. Catch them before the puddle, not after!

Manage Your Dog’s Water Intake

Regulating your dog’s water intake, especially before bed or long periods indoors, can help prevent accidents. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water but monitor how much they drink, especially in the evening or right before crate time.

Dog lays head on table next to bowl and bag of Venture dog food

Common Challenges and Solutions

Accidents inside can often be caused by anxiety or excitement. Whether your dog is feeling nervous or just overly enthusiastic, these emotions can lead to unexpected indoor peeing.

The good news? With the right approach, you can tackle these issues head-on. Let’s dive into how you can manage anxiety-driven and excitement-related peeing, helping both you and your pup feel more at ease.

Dealing with Anxiety-Driven Peeing

Dogs with anxiety may pee indoors when they’re stressed or afraid. Create a calm, quiet environment for your dog, and consider using calming aids like pheromone sprays. Gradual desensitization to triggers like loud noises or being left alone can help reduce anxiety-driven accidents.

Handling Peeing from Excitement

Excitement peeing often occurs in puppies or young dogs. To reduce accidents, greet your dog calmly when you come home, and encourage visitors to do the same. Over time, your dog will learn to control their excitement.

When to Get Professional Help

If your dog continues to have accidents despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. A veterinarian can rule out any underlying health concerns like urinary tract infections, while a dog behaviorist can help with training challenges related to anxiety or submissive urination.

In extreme cases, a vet may recommend surgery for bladder stones or other medical issues that affect bladder control. It’s important to follow your vet’s advice to ensure the best outcome for your pet’s health.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify the cause. Medical issues like urinary tract infections or behavioral issues like urine marking can lead to indoor accidents.
  • Consistent house training is key. Establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, and consider crate training.
  • Address behavioral problems. Spaying or neutering, eliminating odors, and building confidence can reduce accidents.
  • Prevent accidents. Pay attention to your dog’s signals and regulate water intake.
  • Seek professional help. If the issue persists, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist to address the underlying cause.

Is Your Dog’s Peeing Becoming a Problem?

While indoor accidents can be frustrating, they’re usually solvable with patience and training. By understanding the cause and using effective strategies, you can help your dog become completely house trained and prevent future accidents.

If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a veterinarian or professional trainer. With the right support, your dog can enjoy a happy, accident-free life indoors!