Do Dogs Pee Inside To Get Attention?
Nothing is more exciting than getting a new dog. Humans love dogs because dogs have friendly and loving personalities. But it can be very frustrating if your dog pees inside the house. Dogs that feel insecure within the family can pee more often to make you show more affection and interest in them. There could be many reasons why your dog is peeing inside. Seeking your attention is one of them. However, if we are well trained, then we should not be doing this.
Another cause could be a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). If that is the case, the vet should be your first stop. Scent marking may also be the reason behind this issue. Here are some tips that may help you troubleshoot the problem.
What is Scent Marking?
Marking is a natural thing that dogs do. A dog will pee to let other dogs know that this is their territory. Remember that a dog’s sense of smell is much better than our own. To us, it just smells like dog pee!
Do All Dogs Do This?
Yes. Some dogs are more likely to do this; for example, male dogs do this more than female dogs. Likewise, smaller dogs are more likely to do this than larger dogs. Two or more dogs in the same house might compete with each other and mark with urine. Small dogs usually pee in the house. To prevent this, train your dog when he’s very young. Teach your dog to pee outside before your dog can develop a peeing habit. Make it easy for him to access outside.
Possible Causes of Peeing at Home
Attention Seeking
The biggest reason for us to pee inside is to get your attention. It could also be a response to any unwanted sounds or smells.
Medical Problems
If your dog’s peeing habits change suddenly or if there is an irregular substance in his urine, visit the vet right away because this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Territory Behavior
Sometimes a dog will pee in the home because he is establishing his territory. This behavior is more common in male dogs. With a new dog, this behavior should disappear after a couple of weeks. But if this behavior continues, you need to take action.
Understand The Cause Of The Problem
Dogs do not just start peeing in their homes for fun. First, ask yourself if your dog is actually just marking his territory. There are some helpful clues. If the dog is peeing straight onto things, it is probably an attempt to mark his territory. Another clue is the amount of urine. If the soiled spots are drenched in pee, it is highly likely that your dog thinks the house is his new toilet and you need to discourage him. If only small puddles are present, the cause is most likely related to marking.
If your dog tends to pee at night, it is better to let him drink early and take him outside before going to bed.
Understand the Reason Why Dogs Mark Their Territory
Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell. This is one of the reasons police forces around the world use them to find explosives or drugs. Dog urine is unpleasant to a person, but to another dog, it is as good as a letter. To a dog, urine reveals a lot of information. For example, a dog can determine if another dog is ready to mate. Having information makes your dog feel like he has an edge over other dogs, which can help reduce his anxiety and build his confidence.
If your dog is struggling with problems of self-confidence, a sudden change in the home environment may be the cause. For example, if a new baby arrives, your dog may not receive as much attention as he did before. Such changes can cause anxiety, triggering unsavory behavior like peeing in the house.
What Can You Do?
If your dog has not shown this type of behavior before, but has recently developed it, it is best to take him to a veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition, such as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) behind the behavior. Neutering at a young age can prevent a male dog from developing this habit. Of course, neutering is not always an option if you want to breed your dog, and naturally, it is best to consult a veterinarian before taking any irreversible action.
You can also try the coaching method and try catching him in action. Dogs learn (like humans) through operational control. Observe carefully when he starts showing signs that he is thinking of marking. Such signs may include: sniffing or spinning around a spot he has previously marked. When he begins to lift his leg, make a little noise to divert his attention and then give him a clear “no” command and revoke your attention after that. If he wants your attention, he will have to change his behavior. Be consistent whenever you see signs he wants to mark.
What To Do When Dogs Pee Inside House
During the learning process, you need to praise him when you catch him doing what you want. Dogs learn quickly through positive reaction to their behavior. Furthermore, clean the area he wants to mark, but do not use ammonia. Dog urine contains ammonia, and he will think that a strange dog is leaving a message. Instead, use a vinegar and water solution to thoroughly wash the area. If you don’t make too much fuss about everything, you can easily change your dog’s behavior and your dog will urinate wherever you want – outside the home!
What Not To Do When Dog Pee Inside House
- Do not hit your dog or exert any other physical or verbal abuse. In addition to being immoral and illegal, your dog will see this as hostile and want to quit.
- Do not give him a snack when he goes outside to pee. It is better to use this type of positive reinforcement during initial training. Instead, combine a snack with a dog clicker or any other noise he associates with good behavior. After some time, just use the noise to reward the dog and only give him a treat from time to time.
- Do not push your dog’s nose into the urine. Not only is it a bad form of attention, but it can also damage his nose and affect his sense of smell, harming his overall health.
- Do not yell at him, rage, smash objects, or hit him. This will worsen the problem.
Conclusion
Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to break this habit. Be consistent and considerate when you find your dog urinating inside the house. Very soon he will stop this behavior.
