How to stop my dog from peeing in the house?

To stop a dog from peeing in the house takes a mix of supervision, training, and occasionally medical examination to get a dog to stop urinating within the home. The following tried-and-true methods can assist in resolving this issue:

  1. Rule Out Medical Issues

  • Veterinary Check-Up: Ensure your dog doesn’t have a urinary tract infection or other medical condition causing frequent urination.

  1. Establish a Routine

  •  Regular Potty Schedule: Take your dog out at consistent times each day (e.g., first thing in the morning, after meals, before bedtime).
  •  Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Initially, take your dog out every 1-2 hours to reinforce the behavior of going outside.

  1. Supervision and Confinement

  • Constant Supervision: Watch your dog closely indoors, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up.
  •  Crate Training: Use a crate to limit your dog’s space when you can’t supervise them. Dogs usually avoid soiling their sleeping area.
  •  Use Baby Gates: Restrict access to areas where accidents are frequent until your dog is reliably house-trained.

  1. Positive Reinforcement

  • Reward Immediately: Praise and give treats right after your dog pees outside. Timing is crucial to help them associate the behavior with the reward.
  • Use Cue Words: Use a consistent phrase like "go potty" while your dog is urinating outside to help them associate the action with the command.

  1. Proper Cleaning

  • Enzymatic Cleaners: Use enzymatic cleaners to thoroughly clean areas where your dog has peed. These cleaners break down urine odors, preventing your dog from being attracted to the same spot again.

  1. Interrupt and Redirect

  • Catch in the Act: If you catch your dog in the act of peeing inside, interrupt with a sharp noise (e.g., clap your hands) and immediately take them outside to finish.
  •  Reward Outside: If your dog finishes urinating outside, reward them.

  1. Training Aids

  • Belly Bands or Dog Diapers: Temporary use of belly bands for males or diapers for females can prevent messes while you work on training.
  • Potty Pads: Gradually move potty pads closer to the door and eventually outside to transition your dog to outdoor elimination.

  1. Behavioral Training

  •  Consistency: Be consistent with commands, rewards, and routines.
  •  Patience and Persistence: Understand that house-training can take time, especially for puppies or rescued dogs with a history of indoor accidents.

  1. Seek Professional Help

  • Professional Trainer: If problems persist, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide tailored advice and training techniques.

You may effectively train your dog to quit urinating inside the house and encourage the outside behavior by combining these tactics.