Housebreaking Problems in Adult Dogs
Once a dog is full-grown, at 6 months to 1 year, it is most often housebroken. When this is not the case, or when a dog regresses, a number of causes may be responsible. It is possible that a change in environment or diet is the culprit. It is also possible that a medical problem or a particular medication is to blame. Aging may give rise to regression in housebreaking behavior. It also possible that the dog was never properly housebroken as a puppy and needs to begin a fresh course of training.
The first thing a responsible owner should do if such a problem occurs is to get the animal checked by a veterinarian. The vet will be able to rule out medical problems that may be resulting in the changed behavior.
Medical Reasons for Housebreaking Problems
Medical reasons for incontinence may include:
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Underlying disorder like diabetes
- Certain prescribed medications
- Stress incontinence
Older dogs, usually 9 years of age or older, may begin soiling because of weakness, stiffness and mobility issues, loss of sphincter control or cognitive difficulties. They may unavoidably leak small quantities of urine or urinate unwittingly in their sleep.
Environmental Reasons for Housebreaking Problems
- Relocation to a new owner
- Removal of newspapers when a dog has been paper-trained
- Moving to an unfamiliar location, as from the country to the city
- Bad weather, fear of icy surfaces or extreme heat, for example
- Territorial marking
- Preference for a particular surface, such as newspaper or fabric
Behavioral Reasons for Housebreaking Problems
- Loss of a loved one
- New unwelcome presence, person or animal, in the household
- Separation anxiety
- Submissive urination during physical content or when scolded
Remedies for Housebreaking Problems
If the dog is found to have a medical condition of the urinary or digestive tract, or another underlying disorder that causes incontinence, hopefully the veterinarian will be able to address the problem with medication or some procedure.
If the problem is environmental or behavioral, however, housebreaking may have to be begun anew, as if the older dog were a puppy. If the dog has been recently acquired as a rescue dog or from a shelter, this may also be the case. It is then best to start at the beginning: taking the dog outdoors frequently, keeping the dog confined until it is time to go out, giving treats when the dogs eliminates in the proper location, and using praise, never punishment, to encourage appropriate behavior.