Potty training relapse

[LarryL]

Oliver is almost 6 months.

The first month we had him he had normal accidents like any other dog. We have a porch potty on our balcony, and put potty bells on the door.

He quickly got the gist of it - and the last few months were great.

A few weeks ago he started relapsing.
He's been peeing in our rug, on the floor of the balcony, and even our bed last night.

Any ideas on what gives??!

[John Wang]

Do you do anything when he pees? Our friend's family has had dogs for a good thirty years, they said to hold the dog's nose to the mess and say "No!" several times, then give them a firm slap on their behind. And then really reinforce that it's good for them to potty outside (lots of treats again and petting whenever they go). So a strong positive and strong negative. It works for Boomer, he did have one accident last month but he'd been at his limit (4 hours without peeing) and so he peed a little. We didn't chide him for that, just took him out to finish peeing while the other cleaned up.

I would revoke their freedom at night if they pee on your bed, and take them out more often to potty. How long do they go normally before you take them out?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh no....I STRONGLY disagree with putting a dog's nose in the mess and slapping them. That is an old school type of punishment and just plain wrong, in my opinion. Please don't do that to your dog!

Larry, your dog could very well have a UTI. He won't be able to stop the peeing if this is the case. Take a urine sample to the vet.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

John Wang, this is Animal Abuse.

Your friend has outdated views and methods proven not to work. This response is the worst I've seen since the 60s 

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

I'd check for a bladder infection first, then work on the training issues. He may be sick and not able to help it.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I would get a urinary tract infection or other medical issue ruled out first if this is a "relapse" situation. 

You are going to get a lot of negative reaction to advocating sticking the dog's nose in it and slapping him- starting with me.  Unless you literally catch a dog mid stream, he will have no idea why you are punishing him and will only become hand shy and fearful. Sorry- this is just bad advice IMO

 I am sure there will be many more comments from more experienced DK people, but I could not let the "stick his face in it and slap him" comment go unchallenged! 

[Gail and Bailey]

Totally agree with Lori!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Lori, I just wrote the same comment before I read your comment. I agree!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Agree, 100%.

[Judi Kilpatrick]

I agree, first thing is to get him checked for a UTI, my pups are about the same age and do not mess in the house and haven't since they were potty trained several months ago.. Unless there has been some extreme change in his surroundings, it sounds like a medical versus a behavioral issue.

[LarryL]

Thanks for the good advice everyone.

I will have him checked for UTI, but if that was the case - wouldnt he not be able to hold it in his crate?

He has never had an accident in there. And we leave him in  there nights, and for several hours during the day.

As far as diciplining him - I have put his nose in it, and yelled at him, BUT ONLY when I would catch him in the act of doing it.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I'm sorry, but there's nothing good that will come out of sticking a puppy's nose in his mess, even if you do catch the puppy in the act. A stern, "NO!," while directing him outside to his potty spot is the most effective method, with plenty of praise when he gets it right. In your puppy's case, though, it sure sounds like a UTI, where any form of discipline will probably be counter productive and confusing to the puppy.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Good grief, I can't believe anyone would still do that to a puppy. Bad idea for all the reasons Lori already cited. Time to rethink that one. Kindness will be a lot more productive than punishment. Do you want a puppy who wants to please you or one that's afraid of you?