Adopting and caring for a canine is always a rewarding experience. In exchange for food, shelter, exercise, and regular veterinary care, your pet offers loyalty and companionship for the remainder of his life. Dogs that have lived in puppy mills, however, pose a unique challenge for owners. The treatment they received at the mill will likely have made them distrustful of people, and fearful of anything that is unfamiliar to them. Owners who adopt such dogs must take a few extra steps toward making them feel comfortable and secure in their new homes.

In this article, we’ll describe how puppies are treated in mills so you’ll understand the reasons such pups are hesitant and fearful of others. We’ll also describe the typical behaviors puppy mill dogs exhibit once they’re rescued. Lastly, we’ll provide a few suggestions for helping your canine feel comfortable within your home.

Inside A Puppy Mill

Puppies are treated poorly in mills. Their physical and mental health take a back seat to revenue. The mill generates this revenue by breeding the pups in their care. But there is a key difference between the breeding activity that takes place in a mill, and that which is done by professional breeders.

Professional breeders do everything possible to minimize genetic problems in the canines they breed. Mills take no such precautions. Instead, they breed pups without consideration for the likelihood that defects may pass to the litters. For this reason, many of the puppies born from this process are saddled with eye, dental, and joint problems.

The pups at the mill are usually housed in overcrowded pens. The living conditions are often dirty to the point of being unhygienic. Moreover, the dogs seldom receive the basic essentials they need to stay physically and mentally healthy. They rarely see the sun, or have access to a constant source of clean air.

When a puppy is adopted from a mill, the transition to a “normal” life can be jarring to him. You may notice behaviors in him during the first few days in your home that seem odd.

Establishing His Personal Den

Keep in mind that everything is new and potentially frightening to your new pet. When you bring him into your home, he may appear especially hesitant. This is because he has lived with fear his entire life. He has learned to dread the unfamiliar.

First, establish a room - or part of a room - as his personal den. Place bowls for food and water in this area along with newspapers on which he can urinate and defecate. Having an area to himself will make him feel safe, and slowly build his confidence.

Second, after a week has passed, begin acclimating him to a collar and lead. Place both on him for short periods, and let him drag the lead as he roams throughout your home. This will help him become accustomed to the feel, and prepare him for going on walks.

Minimizing Fear And Stress

Because your puppy’s exposure to the outside world was so limited while he was at the mill, he may be easily startled by unfamiliar noises. For example, the sound made by a vacuum cleaner may frighten him. A toaster, television, and blow dryer may also cause him stress. Desensitization training will prove invaluable for helping him become used to hearing these sounds. This type of training takes time and requires patience. But it’s the most effective way to minimize your canine’s fear and stress of routine noises that occur in your household.

Once your dog begins to feel safe and secure within your home, he’ll explore on his own. He’ll start to peek into other rooms to discover what lies beyond the confines of his personal den. Over time, he’ll gain confidence regarding his place within your life, and look to you as his best friend.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog training, dog care

Being consistent and not giving up on your dog is what it takes to get started in Crate Training Dogs. Many dog trainers recommend this process to get your dog housebroken. Having a dog go to the bathroom in the house is not acceptable, so this is an easy way to train.

A dogs natural instincts is not to soil his sleeping area or den. When the dog learns that the crate is his special place then he will not soil his sleeping area. A dog likes to have his sleeping area clean like we do.

A dog in a crate is very important. It protects them in an airplane, car or a bus. If he is used to it, then he will not bark and whine while traveling. If leaving dogs at home it gives them a safe place to wait, especially if the outside weather is bad.

If you feel a punishment is needed for a dog, do not put it in the crate. The dog needs to know that it is his safe place to be and not a bad place where he gets locked up.

Pets need to learn the rules of the house, just like people do. Chewing on things that are not for dogs is a very important lesson to be taught. It takes time to learn this lesson so a crate or cage will help them to learn. Remember that time and patience is very important, and this could take more time than you expect, depending on the dog.

When choosing a crate, their are lots of choices. The plastic ones are nice and usually have a locking door and a feeding dish. Fabric cages are pretty good but owners need to stay with their pet. Metal cages collapse making it easy to pack in a car, and does not take up much space. A dog needs to be able to turn around and stand up in the cage, to be the right size.

Now that the crate has been bought a person can get started in the training. Put it in a place where the family spends some time. Leave the door open and put a towel or blanket in it. Put some toys to entice him in the cage. Put some food on the outside of the door then gradually move the food inside.

Some dogs will whine because they do not want to be in the crate. After the whining stops the dog can be let out. It is important to not let the dog have his own way. Be sure there is plenty of food and water in it.

It is important not to leave him in the crate too long. Puppies will need to go outside during the night. Do not crate a dog for more than four hours at a time. If a person is gone all day, make arrangements for your pet. He should not be crated all day and again at night.

Keeping a crate close to you will help with night crying. Dogs get lonely and want to be with their masters. If the dog has to go to the bathroom then take him. If he is whining merely because he wants out then make him stay in the crate. Usually the whining will last for a few nights when he first comes home.

Taking your pet out regularly will help him learn. After you feed him, when he wakes up, and before he goes to bed should all be times to go outside. Pick a spot for him to use and he will go there again. Exercise your dog to keep him healthy and happy.

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categories: dog,crate,training,dog crate,crate training,dogs,puppy,pets,animals,obedience,home

Like most people, canines love food. They’re willing to sacrifice their dignity in order to obtain it. If food is not given freely, but instead eaten in front of them, they will beg. Some will do so relentlessly.

A begging dog can be particularly frustrating for his owner. He’ll sit and stare longingly at his owner’s plate, hoping to receive a tasty morsel, regardless of size. Unfortunately, many people acquiesce under the pressure, and give their pets table scraps just to send them away. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

Below, we’ll explain the side effects table scraps can have on your canine; you’ll learn the reasons you should avoid providing them. We’ll also describe a few methods you can use to discourage the behavior, so you and your family can eat in peace.

Reasons To Avoid Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

Commercial brands of dog food are specially formulated with the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy. The vitamins and minerals contained in these brands are necessary for whatever stage of development your canine is in. Table scraps rarely provide the same level of nutrition. Instead, they usually deliver excess calories, which are likely to cause weight problems for your pet. And that leads to avoidable health issues.

Another reason to avoid giving your dog table scraps is because doing so can lead to digestive problems. Even though your pet will eat anything placed in front of him, his body may be unable to tolerate some types of food.

Also, given a steady diet of people food, your canine may eventually become fussy with his own meals. He’ll essentially acquire a taste for the foods you feed your family. And that’s when his begging will begin to take on a new level of urgency.

Preventing Access To Your Table

This method removes your pet’s opportunity to beg. You can use a couple of different approaches depending on whether you would like your canine to remain in the room in which you’re eating, or to stay out.

If you’d like his company in the room, place a lead and collar on him, and secure him to a nearby chair or other piece of furniture. He should be kept far enough away from the table to minimize the temptation to beg. Consider providing a chew toy to give him something to do while you and your family eat.

You can also bar him from the room, which can be done easily with a baby gate. Confine your dog to a room elsewhere in your home, so he’s unable to watch you eat through the gate. This will prevent him from whining to gain your attention.

Sending Him Elsewhere

This method requires more time and patience since there is training involved. The goal is to give your canine something to do elsewhere in your home without confining him to that particular space. You’ll need to train him to stay in his space while you and your family enjoy meals.

At first, your dog will be tempted to abandon his designated spot, and come looking for table scraps. Over time, however, you can teach him to remain there, thereby preventing him from begging.

This method has the added benefit of being helpful in other circumstances. For example, suppose you’re entertaining guests, and would like to prevent your canine from bothering them. Simply instruct him to go to his designated space while your guests are visiting. As long as he has a few toys to occupy his attention, he’ll be fine.

When your dog begs, he does so because he has an expectation his begging will produce results. This is the reason owners who have given in to their canines in the past find it difficult to curb the behavior. But it’s never too late. Use the methods above to turn your begging pooch into a patient, pleasant companion.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog behavior

When a new dog or puppy makes its way into your life the journey has just begun. As real children need to be taught life lessons so do puppies and these dog training tricks will help you along the way. We as the pet owner have to not only show our pets love and respect but we also have to teach them as we do children what is the right thing and the wrong things in life.

One of the easiest commands to start your dogs training with is the “sit” one. You will find this one trick you will be glad you taught in later years. Teaching your dog to sit on command will help you in solving many problems with him in the future. This include jumping up on company, barking and chasing other animals just to name a few.

Simple steps to teaching your puppy this is to purchase his most adored snacks. Take one in your hand and hold just out of his reach above his eyes and head. Wait until he sits down on his bottom on the surface he is on and then say the command of sit, then tell him what a good boy he is and give him his reward. Practice everyday a few times with him and he will pick this up in no time and he will do it on command with only praise no snacks needed.

The command of lie down is the next on the list. This command keeps your pet in the lying position in vehicles while he is traveling with you and your family and gives you the peace of mind that he will not move about while the vehicle is in motion and cause an accident. This also allows him to be able to go more places with you as you can tell him this command and he will lie down and relax.

Take one of his favored snack treats give him the first command learned of sit. Now take the snack away from his body on the floor to get him into a stretched out or lying position. Once he has achieved this position give him the lie down words and pet him while he enjoys his snack for a good job.This may take a little longer to learn but he will get it.

The last of these three tricks is also one that may take them the longest to get right as it is one called stay. Most dogs and puppies especially do not want to be still but where you or other family members are playing and more. Do not forget about training them with this command though because it is a very important one. Stay will keep them from running out doors, running away from you at parks and more. Again you will tell your dog the command of sit. Once they are in the proper place then with treat in hand and in front of them keep saying stay, stay, stay. If they move at any time you must start all over from the beginning again until they actually do stay. Once they stay then give them their treat as a reward and keep working with them until you no longer have to use the treat only praises and petting.

Training your puppy or adult dog should be done at the same intervals each day as they get used to having routine within their lives as we do also. Their focus is not very long standing so knowing this you should always time training sessions for about 20-30 minutes at the most. They will become unfocused and lose interest after too much time if you do not.

You can find numerous helpful books and videos on training techniques and tips at your local library or pet specialty store. These can give you pointers on some behavior issues and how to solve them as well as show you great new tricks the whole family will love to watch their favorite pup do.

All these dog training tricks and many more not listed can help even the most unruly misbehaved dogs become well-mannered and a joy to be around. These will help them control their urges of jumping on visitors as soon as they walk in the door, nibble on arms or hands as playing, chasing other animals within the households and so on. Take the time to teach your pet the right things instead of reinforcing the wrong things in their behavior and they and you will be much more productive and happier together.

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categories: Dog Training Tricks, Dog Training, Dog Tricks, Dog, Dogs Training, Training Tricks

Dogs love to chase vehicles. Unfortunately, doing so often leads to their injury or death. In some cases, they chase an automobile until it stops, at which point they run into its back end, and damage their spine. In other cases, the canine is hit by another car.

Another problem is that drivers who see dogs lunging into the street are likely to brake quickly, or swerve into oncoming traffic. This poses a serious danger to other drivers and pedestrians.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons canines chase vehicles. If you’re able to pinpoint the trigger, you’ll be more effective in curbing the tendency. We’ll then offer a few suggestions for discouraging the behavior in your pooch.

Understanding Why Dogs Chase Cars

Your dog is a natural predator, even if he doesn’t seem so. This can manifest in different ways. For example, if given the opportunity, he’ll stalk and chase small rodents. If he happens to corner one, he’ll rarely follow through in harming it. The reason? Because stalking his prey is a game for him. He has no intention of harming or killing the rodent.

The same is true when your canine chases people riding bicycles, kids on skateboards, or even other pets. It is the mark of a normal, happy, and well-balanced pooch socializing with others.

There are a few breeds that have a stronger predatorial sense than most. For them, the act of stalking and catching their prey is not a game. If they catch their prey, there is a good chance they will kill it. While this level of stalking is rarely directed toward vehicles, it is possible. It is also difficult to control.

Even though chasing cars comes naturally to a dog, the tendency can be discouraged before it becomes a problem. The key is addressing the behavior as early as possible.

Preventing The Problem Before It Starts

When your canine first shows signs of interest in passing vehicles, immediately call his name to capture his attention. Once he looks at you, and keeps his eyes on you, praise him and give him a treat. This trains him to understand that ignoring traffic and giving you his attention when you call results in a positive outcome. This will prove invaluable if you accidentally release his leash while traffic is passing nearby.

A lot of owners assume that because their pets only chase vehicles while behind a fence, the behavior poses no danger. In reality, it does since the tendency reinforces itself. Eventually, your dog may jump into the fence out of excitement, harming himself in the process. Thus, you should take the time to curb the behavior.

Curbing An Existing Tendency To Chase

If your canine has already developed a habit of chasing cars, you’ll need to first test his ability to come when you call him. This is critical. Everything revolves around his perception that you are the priority. Start by testing him in a quiet environment with no distractions.

After he consistently responds to your commands, take him to a park or similar setting that offers distractions without the danger of traffic. This will teach him to ignore other things, and focus his attention on you.

Next, test his ability to focus near semi-busy streets. Make sure you keep a tight hold on his leash to prevent him from bolting into traffic. Many dogs will respond consistently to their owners at home or at a park, but will lose their focus when presented with the opportunity to chase a car. Be wary.

Many canines have been injured or killed as the result of chasing vehicles. Train your dog to ignore traffic, and listen to your voice. It may one day save his life.

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Of all dog behavioral issues, aggression is the one that most frustrates owners. It is very common, though canines display signs for very different reasons. Many owners observe hostile behavior in their pets, but are unaware regarding its trigger. Consequently, they are uncertain about how to respond.

First, it’s important to realize that aggressive behavior is natural to dogs. Though most are domesticated, they remain pack animals, and perceive the world around them accordingly.

Second, in order to properly address hostility in your canine, you must first be able to identify the different types of aggression. Once you can determine the trigger, you’ll be better prepared to “cure” the problem.

With this in mind, we’ll provide a brief overview of the most common reasons dogs become antagonistic. The following descriptions will offer a springboard from which you can remedy the problem.

Protect Family

As pack animals, canines have traditionally protected those within their group from assailants. If an intruder threatens one member, the others will respond quickly to protect him or her.

In your home, your dog considers you and your family to be members of his “pack.” If he feels you, your family, or other pets under your roof are threatened by a perceived attacker, he will behave aggressively to warn the attacker away. The problem is, many canines become overly-protective, and consider any person outside their “pack” to represent a potential threat.

Protect Home

Similar to guarding their families, dogs also guard their territories. If an intruder approaches their den, they will respond with hostility to discourage that person or animal from coming closer.

Your canine considers your home to be his den, and will respond aggressively to any person or animal he feels to be a threat. Here, too, he may become overly-protective of his home. If he does, he will treat everybody aggressively, even those you consider friends. Interestingly, this type of aggression is very rare in puppies since they have not yet learned to protect their “dens.”

Stemming From Fear

Canines react to elements that frighten them in the same way as humans: they retreat. However, if retreat is not an option, they will fight. In the wild, if a pair of wolves approach a dog, the dog will initially seek a path that provides him an escape route. If, however, such a path is unavailable, he will turn to face the wolves, despite his fear.

Fear aggression is dangerous. If a person unwittingly corners a canine, that person risks being bitten. Thus, always provide an unfamiliar dog a route through which he can escape.

Guard Possessions

Dogs are hardwired to protect their possessions. While this trait stems from the need to fight for food outside the human-canine relationship, it has carried over to today’s pets. For example, when a person or animal approaches a dog’s food bowl, he may bare his teeth and growl to communicate his ownership.

Within your home, your canine may express possessive behavior over his food, toys, and even the area in which he likes to rest. This may become a problem if visitors - either people or animals - stumble upon your pet’s possessions without realizing they have done so.

Hierarchical Order

Dogs have always functioned within groups according to their understanding of their pack’s hierarchy. As long as they know - and accept - those ranked above and below them, there is minimal conflict. Conflict arises when there is a bid for authority within the group.

This latter problem occasionally happens between canines and their owners, families, and other pets. The dog will compete for authority, and act aggressively when others confront him.

Canine aggression can only be addressed successfully after the behavior’s trigger has been identified. If you’re having difficulty doing so, consider working with your veterinarian or a professional trainer.

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You have a new member to you family, he’s furry and has four legs and loves you for no other reason than for being you. Sometimes though, a new puppy can make your neighbors hate you, your yard a mess, your home a mess and wedded bliss well something other than bliss. So to save yourself hours of doggy induce drama as well as keeping your pup happy as well dog training is essential. Combining the knowledge of the experts with the right attitude will help you turn your tailed tear away into a model doggy citizen. The following four tips have been tried and tested by the professionals.

Who Is The Boss?

In nature dogs are pack animals that follow the pack leader who makes all the decisions for the good of the pack. To stop confusion and back-biting within the pack there is only ever one pack leader at a time. What you need to make your dog realize that you are the alpha male. To help you live up to your new role as pack leader you should take your dog for regular walks when you get home from work and complete obedience courses with him. Controlling the amount of food and when your dog gets it is another way of asserting your pack leader status over your dog. Teaching your dog that you will only feed him twice a day will help to show him that you are the boss.

Treat Him The Same

Professional trainers believe that it is the owner at fault when a dog doesn’t follow commands. Every matter in a dogs world is black and white whereas humans see things in varying shades. Because dogs don’t understand that “Come” and “C’mon” mean the same thing to people they won’t react to the command of “C’mon” because they don’t know what it means. Using the same tone of voice and vocal command will help to stop any confusion between you and your dog.

Respect Is The Key To A Great Partnership Between You And Your Dog.

To build a happy relationship with your dog you must share a feeling of mutual respect between the you. This can be attained easily, as your dog will respect your position of alpha male of the pack you must respect his needs. Respect is not something that you will find by intimidating your dog or cramming treats down it’s throat. With proper praise and correction your dog will grow to respect you as an alpha male instead of fearing you as a bad owner or acting badly because you treat him too much, training your dog is about doing what is right and not what is easy.

You Have Do It When The Time Is Right

Time factors in to every part of your furry friends training schedule. Over the course of your dogs life he will have picked up habits that will make it harder for you to train him than when he is a puppy that hasn’t had time to learn the habits. Mistakes tend to happen when you try and train your dog over a long and drawn out training session. To help keep you dog focused on the task at hand you it is recommended that you keep your trains sessions at around the 15 minute mark to increase that chance that your dog will stay focused. When you take on the role as pack leader timing is essential as well. In a natural dog pack the alpha male will eat first so mimicking this behavior in your own home be feeding your dog after you’ve finished eating is a great way of reminding him of who is the top dog.

Whilst dog training must be done it doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyable for both you and your dog. Finding a trainer that works for both you and your canine companion is vital as if training begins to feel like a chore you won’t want to do it and your dog will pick up on intentions, which we only lead to bad things happening.

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categories: Pets,Dog

Some people want to get pets as their companion. Living in a house will never really be any good if you will not have someone to be with. Of course, the most popular companion of people is the four-legged, furry dogs. If you are a new dog owner, you have to see to it that he or she will be kept in place especially when your dog is still a puppy. They could get really rowdy all of the time and before you can even stop them, they might ruin your furniture and other important things around the house. Get the dog harness and basically, the dog will be in place.

But of course it is important that you also see to it that the dog is kept healthy. You need to play with it every once in a while. Just keeping a dog around will already teach you the things that it will need.

What many people do not know though is that there are a lot of benefits that you could get from having a dog. The very first of those is of course having a companion. How many times have you seen a man or a woman take a stroll in the park and tagging their pet dogs along? Dogs are especially good at keeping you company. Although they do not talk, they can do things that will keep the boredom away.

Dogs are very good defenders too. Some keep dogs, keep the dog harness on, and just let them around the house to keep bad men from entering. Just one bark and it could scare anyone off. There are dog breeds that are really good at defending things. Some dogs are also bred to be part of the canine team, those that are helpful in search and rescue operations and for detecting chemicals and other harmful substances.

Also, dogs are very loyal. Even if you get too old or vice versa, the dogs will still choose to be with you. This trait is very unique to dogs they say. They get much attached to their masters that there are even those who trade their lives for their masters. These are extreme stories but you know that dogs, when loved and cared for will return the favor in ways you will never be able to detect.

Dogs are good exercise buddies as well. There are a lot of training gyms that now encourage both owners and pets to exercise together. If you are one who loves running too, you can take the dog with you and simply want to beat him on the track. They are excellent players of games so you can do sports or whatever fitness activity with them.

Lastly, dogs have this therapeutic effect. Studies that were conducted have proven that patients who have friendly dogs around tend to be happier and that takes their system to work normally thus they recover sooner. They also say that if you own a dog, you will add ten years into your life. They are very good at keeping you healthy and happy.

So you will enjoy all of these benefits. Take that dog for some tender loving care, go out and never forget about the dog harness. You will love the dog so much and it will do the same to you.

If you wish to keep your dog in place and tamed to become friendly as friendly as you want it to be try using a dog harness on your dog to have them also in place while you are away.

If you’re thinking about bringing a new canine home for your family, consider adopting one from a shelter. You’ll find shelters are filled with dogs that would make ideal companions if given the chance. Some are there because they became lost and were unable to find their way home. Others are there because their previous owners were unable to continue caring for them (e.g. they moved into an apartment with a “no pet” policy). A reputable shelter will take the time to make sure a pet in their care is a good match for you and your family.

This article will provide five important tips for adopting a shelter dog. The following suggestions will help ensure you bring home a healthy, happy, and affectionate canine.

1 - Identify Your Ideal Match

Some breeds are more active than others. Some are perfectly content to sit on the couch all day while others need plenty of exercise. Think about your lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking, jogging, or bicycling, an active breed, such as an American Foxhound, might be more appropriate than a Basset Hound. Also, think about your living space. If you live in a small apartment, a Chihuahua may be more suitable than a German Shepherd. Adopt a pet that accommodates your life.

2 - Get Up Close And Personal

The only way to know whether a given canine will make a good companion is to visit his kennel up close. Take the time to walk through the entire facility and visit as many dogs as possible. Signs of friendliness are easy to spot; you’ll notice a wagging tail, an eager approach, and an excited playfulness. In contrast, if a shelter animal remains in the back of his kennel, and refuses to approach you, that may be a sign of things to come.

Keep in mind, however, that some dogs remain standoffish because they are unfriendly while others are merely shy. The latter can make wonderful companions once they get to know you.

3 - Ask Questions Of The Staff

There’s a good chance the shelter’s staff will have spent significant time with each animal in their care. They’ll know which dogs have quirky personalities, special medical needs, and a spotty history. Speak with the employees (or volunteers) and ask questions regarding the canines that interest you.

Ask about the results of a temperament evaluation (if one was conducted when the dog was admitted). Ask about behavioral tendencies that emerged while in the shelter. Ask whether the canine is friendly, reserved, withdrawn, or playful. It is in the best interests of the shelter to make sure you adopt the right pet. Hence, they’ll be happy to answer your questions.

4 - Get To Know The Frontrunners

It’s one thing to look through the front of a kennel and be immediately drawn to a canine. It is another thing entirely to interact with him. The animal shelter should provide you with the chance to spend time with the dogs you’re seriously considering adopting. Some facilities will let you take the canines for a walk. Others will encourage you to spend time playing with them to see whether you enjoy the interaction. Take advantage of the opportunity. It’s the best way to determine whether a given canine’s temperament is a good fit.

5 - Avoid Rushing Your Decision

Most shelters are willing to hold a dog for you for twenty-four hours. This is a good chance to leave the facility and consider whether a specific canine will fit your lifestyle. Moreover, you’ll be able to do so more objectively without his longing eyes staring expectantly at you. Come back the following day and make your decision. There’s no need to rush.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to find a lifelong companion. Use a methodical approach and ask plenty of questions to ensure you bring home a canine that adds to your life.

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Many owners grow frustrated with their canine’s inappropriate elimination. This defines a habit in which a dog will eliminate (i.e. urinate or defecate) inside the home. Assuming he is older than eight weeks and has been house-trained, this behavior is unacceptable. The challenge is curbing it.

In order to discourage your dog’s habit of soiling your home, it’s important to understand why he’s doing it in the first place. There are several possible reasons, including a host of medical conditions, marking behavior, separation anxiety, and showing submission. We’ll explore each of these factors in more detail below. We’ll clarify the reasons your canine may be eliminating inappropriately, and offer a few tips to help you curb the behavior.

Health Conditions

Dogs often suffer health problems without their owners realizing it. Some of these problems are direct contributors to house soiling. For example, your pooch may have a bladder infection or gallstones. Both can increase urination. Or, he may have Cushing’s disease, a disorder that commonly affects older canines and leads to urinary accidents.

Another common condition in senior dogs is cognitive dysfunction. This is an aging disorder that is accompanied by mental deterioration, increased thirst, and inappropriate urination. Diabetes, issues with the pancreas, and gastrointestinal problems can also play a role.

Make an appointment with the veterinarian to conduct a physical examination for your pooch. If a health issue is causing a urination or defecation problem, it should be identified and addressed as quickly as possible.

Marking Territory

Many animals mark their territory by urination. Leaving a trace of their urine behind is a way to tell others that an area belongs to the animal marking it. Both males and females do it, and learn to do so at an early age.

If you have not yet neutered your male dog, he will be much more likely to exhibit marking behavior in your home. The same is true for an unspayed female. Neutering and spaying often resolves the issue. If your canine continues to mark inside your home, clean the area thoroughly and use a product to eliminate the odor. You may need to cordon off the marking site and confine him to certain areas of your home if he persists.

Separation Anxiety

Sometimes, dogs eliminate inappropriately when their owners are away from home for long periods. As long as their owner remains nearby, the problem is nonexistent. If this describes your canine’s behavior, the issue is likely due to his suffering a degree of separation anxiety.

Does he follow you around the house? Does he appear anxious when you grab your car keys or open the garage door? Does he bark relentlessly when you leave, and greet you excitedly when you return? These are signs that separation anxiety is triggering an elimination problem. The solution involves counterconditioning and desensitization training.

Showing Submission

This problem is more prevalent with young dogs and usually dissipates with obedience training. A young canine may use urination as a way to let others know that he will be submissive to them. Sometime, this is done to show deference to a dominant animal. Other times, the behavior is less discriminatory, which can be particularly frustrating for the dog’s owner.

An effective strategy for breaking the habit is to instill a sense of confidence in your canine. This can be accomplished, in part, by avoiding confrontational training methods, playing retrieval games (e.g. fetch), and exposing him to a variety of environments. Dog treats are a valuable training tool for encouraging confidence and discouraging undesirable urination.

Regardless of the reason for your dog’s inappropriate elimination, realize that he will have accidents, even as you’re trying to curb the behavior. Avoid becoming frustrated since doing so will likely worsen the problem. This is especially true in the case of submissive urination. As with all canine behavioral issues, modification and shaping take time. The payoff is worthwhile.

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categories: dogs, dog, canine, puppy, dog behavior, dog training