My Pet World: Boosting dog's confidence can stop piddling

Q: About a month ago we acquired a 1-1/2-year-old, 12-pound dog. She'd been an outside dog and is not spayed. She now lives indoors 100 percent of the time. She's totally housebroken for bowel movements, but urinates indoors, especially when our grandson pets her. Will this stop after she's spayed? -- F.C., Spartanburg, SC

A: Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and also breast cancer, which is fatal half the time. Aside from this, when dogs go into heat, there are lifestyle challenges, which obviously aren't an issue for spayed dogs. Spaying your dog may decrease the accidents, but there's likely more going on here. Your dog's "bad" behavior is called submissive urination. She may also have house-training issues, particularly since she was previously an outdoor dog. Perhaps she was never house-trained at all.

To stop the submissive urination, boost your dog's confidence by teaching her some new behaviors. The following activity is fun for dogs, and even your grandson can help with the training (if he's at least 4 or 5, and with adult supervision). Have him hold some small dog treats in a closed fist. Your dog will naturally sniff his hand, and when she touches her nose to it, he should offer the treats. As the dog repeats this behavior, have him give her a cue each time, like "touch." If the dog is focused on the treats, she'll hopefully be distracted from piddling.

To further boost your pet's confidence, enroll her in a fun class, such as beginning agility (an obstacle course for dogs) or nose work classes (dogs use their sniffer to find things). A basic obedience class is another option.

The issue of housetraining is answered in the next question.

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Q: My adorable little "spanielly-dog" is fixed but still urinates indoors. I've had him for six months, and I just don't get it. I can seldom catch him in the act. When I do, I yell, "No!" and put him outside. He comes in all happy. I don't think he realizes he's doing anything wrong. Any advice? -- C.P., Baltimore, MD

A: You're right, he's doesn't "get it." For one thing, putting him outside might be enjoyable; your dog may even think your reprimands are a game. Often we assume our dogs will instantly understand house training, but that's unrealistic.

Don't worry so much about correcting your dog. Instead, focus on setting him up for success. First, don't give him any opportunity to have an accident indoors. Supervise him when you're home, even if that means tethering him to you. Otherwise, confine him in a crate, exercise pen, or special room. Also, control the amount of water he drinks. Give him all he wants, but only leave the bowl down for five minutes at a time.

Take your dog out as often as you can. This might mean hiring a dog walker. Someone should accompany the dog on walks, and praise him and offer a treat each time he does go.

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Q: I'm the new owner of a 1-year-old male Lab Mix. I'm trying to get him to relieve himself in the yard vs. having to take him on walks every morning before work. I'm a teacher, and my time is very limited in the morning. Any advice? -- J.E., Port Barrington,

A: Take your dog out on the leash in the yard each morning, when you know he's gotta go. Circle until he gets ready to do his business. Then, just as he crouches to relieve himself, say, "Go potty." Call him back to you when he's done and reward him with praise and a treat.

Once he instantly does his business for a week straight and bolts back to you for a treat, extend the distance your dog can trot into the yard. Buy an extra-long leash online or at a pet store, or tie three leashes together. Stand closer to the door, and let your dog go to the end of the leash. When he relieves himself, repeat the praise and treat routine.

While I realize you're rushed in the morning, after your dog goes, set aside 30 seconds for a play session. Some dogs realize you'll leave the house right after they do their business -- one good reason to delay doing the "deed." In fact, praise your dog more and step up the treats for speedier "jobs." The sooner he relieves himself, the more goodies he gets.

The next step is to just let your dog go free in the yard each morning. Still stand at the door to make sure he goes. Since he's trained, he'll quickly run back to you, saving time. This training will take several weeks to a month, but the results will be worth the effort.

Having said this, Labs (and most dogs) need regular exercise. On days you expect to work extended hours, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling your dog in day care.

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