ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

Our rescue dog has been diagnosed with kidney problems. He is only 4 and takes medication for his condition. The vet does not want us to restrict his water. The problem is, when left alone during the day, he will pee in the same spot at the end of the day. This seems to happen as we pull up or he hears us at the door. On rare occasions, he is able to control his bladder.

Is there something we can do to train/encourage him to wait until he gets outside to relieve himself?

- Chris, Rio Rico, Arizona

Dear Chris,

I am not sure if your dog is submissive peeing upon your arrival or it is associated with you being away from the house for too long. If it is submissive peeing, I recommend plugging canine pheromones around your home to ease any stress he might be feeling and toning down your arrival greeting so he doesn't get overexcited.

Walk into the house and out the back door so he can relieve himself (even if he already peed in the house), and then reward him with a treat to reinforce the desired behavior.

If it's not submissive urination, he will learn that you will take him out as soon as you come home and may learn to hold it.

If it's not submissive urination, he also may need some bladder training. Option one is to put him on a schedule. Make sure he is taken outside to relieve himself at the same times every day. It sets a routine, which dogs love and depend on.

If you know your dog needs to pee after five hours, then you should let him outside or walk him every four hours. Of course, you can't be home all the time to do this, so you may need to hire a dog walker to come over at designated times to take him out. Over time, he will come to expect that he can relieve himself at the same time every day.

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