We received a puppy a little over a month ago. She was abandoned down the street from a family we know. We were asked if we could take her. We excitedly said yes! So far I have been able to crate train her, she rings the bells to go outside. We taught her to sit, working on laying down, stay/wait. She excitedly plays fetch! She even got a crate on the back of my bike! We are having a bit of trouble potty training her. Every time we lean over her, or if she gets overly excited, or thinks she's in trouble she pees. The Vet said shes about 6 months old. Not knowing her past history, I dont know why she has bladder issues. In the mornings, I have to let her stay out at least a good 20 + minutes to potty. Yet she still pees because she is so excited to get to eat and play. She runs around the house in the mornings in excitement waking everyone up! Its adorable! Except the pee. I am wondering if maybe I should let her out for her 20 + minutes, put a diaper on her until she gets all of her excitement out in the mornings? While that may solve the morning problem, it doesnt solve the rest of the day she may have an accident in the house or the car. We go on a lot of trips. She loves the car rides! Will she grow out of this as she gets older? Any ideas on how to address the bladder issue?
Answers & Comments
Puppy training process
Crates are for transport, pets recovering from illness, injury and/or surgery and have no basis in training.
Not the dogs responsibility to let you know when she needs to go outside, your responsibility to provide sufficient daily walk/elimination times outside, every 1-2 hours and once in the middle of the night, staying outside until she has completely relieved herself, praise profusely before coming inside, until fully trained. Once inside, constant supervision, immediate correction when caught in the act, secure containment only when you can't supervise, in an easily cleanable area, thoroughly cleaning all soiled areas using an enzyme product specifically made for that purpose.
" I have to let her stay out at least a good 20 + minutes to potty." This isn't teaching her anything. Diapers won't teach her anything either, are uncomfortable, may cause irritation and even infection. She will not "grow out of this as she gets older" She needs to be trained, do nothing it will get worse.
It could be a genetic issue, often a result of poor breeding, genetics can't be changed, only somewhat controlled, if handled properly.
This is simply "submissive urination". Google it. Plenty or articles on the subject - but you've already been given GOOD advice. Most puppies DO grow out of it.
You know many of her TRIGGERS and need to avoid them or try to do things in a different way. For example: "Every time we lean over her" [SHE PEES].
Leaning OVER a dog is considered very THREATENING BODY LANGUAGE (esp to shy or submissive dogs).....so STOP THAT! Pet her ONLY from UNDER her chin & let her approach you, as much as possible rather than going to HER. Do NOT reach DOWN from above.... to pet her. Consider SITTING on the floor MORE - with her instead of standing & bending OVER her.
Feed her outside on the deck or porch AFTER you go out WITH her to get her to potty (& then praise her). She should BE CRATED or confined such that she CANNOT run all over the house, in the AM. She is NOT YET (technically) housebroken. Unhousebroken dogs or submissive wetters do NOT need to be RUNNING AROUND INSIDE and getting EXCITED. That is SHEER foolishness.
Using an enzymatic cleaner (Nature's Miracle) to get rid of the odors & to discourage repeated accidents in the SAME location. Periodic STEAM cleaning accidents, will also HELP. You can buy, or rent a steam cleaner.