Common problems with house training your dog

Training your dog can bring thoughts of fear, confusion and certainly frustration.

This article will go over two of the biggest problems you may encounter when training your dog.

- Excited or submissive urination

- Marking an area with scent

Common dog training problem #1: Excited or submissive urination

A dog that experiences excited or submissive urination is when they urinate with guests entering the house or other confusing times.  The dog gets so excited that urination is inevitable.  Usually dog owners do not realize they have a problem with their dog’s behavior until a guest comes over which brings out the barking and urination.

Why this occurs.

Excited or submissive urination usually occurs with puppies but it can also occur with older dogs as well.   These dogs are usually very timid and sensitive.  They may also be from a shelter and/or have a history of abuse.

When does it happen?
Situations when an excited/fearful dog is likely to urinate:
- Greeting you after a long period of time away from the house.
- When it’s time to play.
- When guests enter the home.
- Any stress in the home like an argument.
- Anytime you correct your dog in a loud voice signifying that you are angry.
- Any loud noise like fireworks or a thunder storm.

What can be done about this problem?

It is actually easy to prevent this excited or submissive urination.

The number one thing you should do is to make sure they have a regular checkup at the vet to make sure there are no underlying medical issues that are contributing to the problem (like diabetes or a bladder infection.)

Now it’s time for you to get a handle on the problem.

-Limit the amount of water you give your dog to help him or her control their bladder.  You should not restrict their water intake for long periods but you should be aware of upcoming events that may trigger their involuntary urination.  If you are expecting guests at 6pm or usually take your dog to play at the park at that time limit their water intake anywhere from 1hour to ½ hour before this event.

-When you come home and meet your dog at the door keep your greeting low key.  Any amount of excitement that you give your dog will increase their excitement level and they will be more prone to urinate involuntarily.  You can give a hello and a pat on the head and then conduct your normal routine at home.  Once you have taken him outside then you can play and not have to worry about urination problems.

-You need to understand that your dog does not mean to urinate like this and in fact they cannot easily control it.  What you should do is firmly say No and follow this with praise when they stop.  Try to keep calm and be sympathetic toward your dog.  They don’t mean it.

- If you are scolding them for another offense and they urinate try to take your tone down a bit, still keeping your authority firm about your disapproval for their actions.  Try to eliminate anger from your voice and actions.  If you vocalize anger the problem will only worsen since they are fearful and nervous.

Comon dog training problem #2: Marking an area with scent

A dog will leave their scent, through urination, to mark their territory.  It is an issue of dominance rather than a problem with lack of house training your dog.

Since many dog owners experience this problem here is some more information on this issue.

How to differentiate between marking with scent and a lack of house training your dog.

Your dog is probably marking their scent rather than deliberately relieving themselves if:

- The volume of urine is small and is directed more at vertical surfaces like doors, walls or the ever common fire hydrant.

- Your dog is a male that is not neutered and is at least 5 or 6 months old.  Dogs that are not neutered will tend to mark territory much more than neutered dogs.  Females that are unsprayed also mark their territory but it is not as common.

- It does not make much of a difference how often you take him outside to urinate.

- He will target any new items in the house like furniture, shoes etc.

- You have several dogs and two of the dogs do not get along.

- There are other pets in the house that are not neutered or spayed.

How you can deal with the problem.

The most important thing to do is to spay or neuter your dog.  The ideal age is 6 months and this will usually halt marking behavior.  If your dog has been marking territory for a long time they may continue with this behavior since it has been ingrained in them.

Make sure to clean any soiled areas.  It is important to use a cleaner without ammonia or vinegar (since these products smell to your dog like urine and they will want to cover that scent with their own.)  There are many good cleaners but most are toxic to your dog.  A company based out of Michigan produces a great non-toxic cleaner that works wonders on dog messes.  Click here to check them out

Most dogs will have a tendency to mark the same places so you need to prevent this repeat offense.

You can do in the following ways:

-          Feed him near the spot or on top of the area.
- Play with him at that spot
- Groom him at that spot
- Put his bed over it or next to it
- Spend time there yourself (reading a book etc., after you clean it of course J

If two dogs in your house tend to fight you will need to eliminate this.  Conflicts between dogs are usually about power struggles.  You need to find out which dog is more dominant (who eats first, gets the toys they want, stares at another dog), and then reinforce this position.

How do you do this: Pet this dog first, feed them first, give them their toy first.  This helps establish which dog is the leader in the house.  Once this has been established territory type behaviors like scent marking will go away quickly.

For more information on successfully house training your dog (as well as a bunch of in-depth information on house training your dog troubleshooting and related information) you will want to check out The Ultimate House Training Guide.

It is the complete house training your dog guide. The Ultimate House Training Guide comes highly recommended.

You can visit the The Ultimate House Training Guide site by clicking this link:

Dog Days-How Training Benefits Both Pet Owners And Pets

Hi there.  If you have had many pets or even if this is your first pet you know how important training your dog can be.

A dog can bring so much love and companionship into your life.  There is nothing like bringing your dog home for the first time as you begin to bond and develop that important relationship.

A dog can provide endless hours of fun, excitement and yes, even frustration for you as the dog owner.

How do you make sure that your dog behaves 24/7 and does not become a nuisance? You may be thinking that the breed is the answer and you are partially correct.  While the breed of your dog is certainly important, even more important is training your dog.  Even the most troublesome dog can become a great pet.  You need to spend time training your dog the right way.

The Benefits of Training Your Dog

I’m sure like most other people you have a hectic schedule and feel like you just don’t have time to train your dog.  I completely understand and want you to know that even small periods of time devoted to training your dog will be beneficial for long term enjoyment.

Here are the 5 reasons you should learn about training your dog:

1. It builds the relationship between you and your dog
2. It corrects behavior issues before they get out of hand.
3. It stimulates your dogs intellect.
4. It encourages inclusion.
5. And most importantly it saves you time in the long run.

Let’s explore these benefits

1. Training Builds a Relationship Between You and Your DogTraining your dog builds a lasting relationship.  This relationship does not begin when you teach your dog their first trick but begins when you meet the dog for the first time.

   Your dog actually looks up to you as a leader.  They view you as the leader of the pack so they are constantly watching your every move and seeing how you react to certain situations.  They begin to model your behavior.  Ever have a dog come over and sit near you when you were sad?

1. Training Corrects Behavior Issues Before They Get Out of Hand
   Barking at everyone that enters your house, chewing up your furniture, running out the door when it is opened, jumping up on the couch, do these behaviors sound familiar to you?

   When you develop a relationship with your dog you can teach them correct behavior.  They are looking to you and your reactions to see what they can get away with.

2. Training Stimulates Your Dogs Intellect.Dogs are very curious in any surrounding.  They love to explore and find new things.  They love an adventure.

   Dogs are very intelligent but they need to motivated and stimulated to learn.  They love new smells, new areas and new tricks.  They need to know that you are in control and then their intellect will shine through.

3. Training Encourages Inclusion.Even when a dog is born they love the feeling of inclusion in the litter of puppies.  Your Dog loves to feel secure and feel a sense of inclusion.

   Maybe you are the main trainer in the house but everyone should have some part in training your dog.  When they get attention from all members of your home your dog feels important and like a member of the pack.

4. Training Saves Time In The Long Run
   
   Training your dog takes some time now but will save you loads of time in the future.  You will not have to clean up those yucky messes after work or clean the fur off the couch that was used as a doggy bed the night before.  Devote a little time now and it will pay off.

Sharda Baker

Sharda Baker has published several dog ebooks and audios.

Click here for more information on training your dog.