House Train Your Puppy - Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Professional Dog Training


House Train Your Puppy - Common Pitfalls to Avoid
by Marcia Gallik

The issue of puppy house training is one of the most confusing and misunderstood areas of having a dog.

Two of the most common problems surrounding the issue of house training are:

- Submissive or excited urination

- Territory marking. Upon reaching puberty, some dogs (male or female) will mark their territory.

What is Submissive (or even excited) urination

This refers to a dog that pees on the floor and himself (and sometimes on you and any guests you may have!) in situations of extreme excitement or stress - for example, when you return home at the end of the day, or when he's being scolded.

The most commonly asked question is why does this happen, is it normal? Well, puppies are the usual candidates for such behavior, however it can also happen that adult dogs have the same problem as well.

The next question asked it when does it usually happen?

Well, the most common reasons for excited urination are:

1. When you come home from work in the evening, or after a prolonged absence

2. When it is 'Play time'

3. When guests arrive (now that is embarassing!)

4. During stressful situations at home, e.g. arguments, fights, where the dog feels the heavy air around

5. During a correction, when you're telling him off

6. When sudden loud noises occur, such as thunder, firecracks, etc

The second main issue is Scent marking. Now this is another problem prone area, however this is not REALLY a house training problem, since it's based on issues of dominance and territoriality (pack leader), and not so much insufficient house training. For example, you can have a dog who is perfectly house trained but still will urinate inside the house.)

Regarding scent marking, there is actually a difference between scent marking and no house training. Pinpointed here are the main differences between the two:

A dog is scent-marking if:

a) The amount of urine produced is relatively small, and tends to be directed towards vertical surfaces, such as walls, doors, trees, etc

b) Your puppy is male, unneutered, and at usually least five or six months old. Unneutered dogs are actually more territorial than neutered ones. If you do have an unneutered dog in the house, there will be a certain amount of scent marking in any case.

c) It doesn't matter how often he's taken outside for doing his business

d) He frequently goes for new things in the house

e) You have several dogs, and there is some sort of conflict between two or more of the

What can you do about these problems? They are common and can be dealt with.

Luckily, it's really not difficult to "cure" your dog of his submissive/excited urination, or generally avoid house training problems. Just follow the simple steps in the

house training program described here, and you will see great results. Moreover, your puppy will thank you for it too.

For these and more tips on house training you pet, check out Know Your Pet

About the Author:

dog owner, lover and trainer

Professional Dog Training