A urine soiler who can’t quite quit
Dr. Jeff Nichol, DVM, IAABC Veterinary Behaviorist
She can still share a clean life with you
Kindness and patience with house training are essential to clean living with any dog. Getting there might also mean treating medical problems like bladder trouble. If little Kiki is still whizzing willy nilly, there may be a behavior disorder, that isn’t a training issue, that needs attention.
It matters when and where those wet messes happen. A dog with separation anxiety may only lose self-control when home alone. If you don’t have a video surveillance system you can purchase a cheap table top tripod for your smart phone on Amazon. Aim it at the location of those assaults on your good housekeeping and it’ll capture your wigged-out dog’s body signaling and emotional state when you’re not there to supervise.
Separation anxiety is a serious problem that no amount of house training can fix. These freaked-out canine brains, with their emotional support person gone, are overwhelmed with panic, adrenaline surging. Science-based behavior modification plus carefully chosen antianxiety meds are the only path to success for these pets. The great majority do quite well but, from time to time, the wheels can fall off. They need a committed pet parent on their side.
Age may be a factor. Elderly dogs and cats, with a history of perfect bathroom etiquette, can gradually lose their skills. If a medical workup comes up negative, we consider cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a.k.a. dementia. It’s often overlooked but occurs in 28% of dogs over age 12. We can’t cure them but we improve life for many of these seniors and for their people.
A recent study showed that a few pint-sized pupsters, like Chihuahuas, can be plenty smart but impossible to fully house train. They improve but never reach complete reliability. It’s frustrating for sure. Some of these little urinators happily use Pee Pads on their favorite locations, never desecrating another rug. You can also consider outfitting a female dog like Kiki with washable dog diapers. The boys can wear a belly band that you can throw in the laundry.
Dogs who poop and pee indoors are not spiteful, nefarious villains. Whatever you do, never punish. Injecting fear into their confusion would only worsen the problem. And don’t even think about rehoming an otherwise good dog. You would each suffer a life-changing stress. You’d miss that little snuggler.
For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.
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About the author
Dr. Jeff Nichol, DVM, IAABC is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist whose practice is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of behavior disorders of dogs and cats. With extensive experience in general practice and behavior medicine, he works with pet parents to tailor practical, individualized treatment plans to improve the well-being of pets and their people.
Dr. Nichol regularly writes about the treatment of behavior problems, including anxiety, aggression, fear, separation, house soiling, and other common concerns in companion pets.
