Inappropriate urination, or toileting inside, can be really frustrating and worrying, especially when it feels like it is unpredictable, not improving or even getting worse. It’s important to know that this behaviour is not uncommon, and there are many possible reasons why it may be happening.

Sometimes it can be linked to incomplete toilet training, but it can also be influenced by things like excitement, stress, anxiety, changes in routine or even medical issues. Because there are a number of possible causes, the first step is always to understand what is happening and when it is occurring, so we can work out the most suitable way to support your dog.

Medical issues/ Vet visit

It is important that your dog is checked by a veterinarian if they are toileting more frequently than usual, or if there has been a change in their normal toilet habits (for example, they previously toileted outside but are now toileting indoors). Some medical conditions can affect a dog’s ability to control their bladder or bowels, so ruling out any underlying health issues is an important first step in understanding and addressing inappropriate toileting.

The prevention of accidents is the key to successful house training! Learning patterns of toileting behaviour will help you to identify when your puppy/dog might need to go to the toilet. It is a good idea to write down a diary of the times they toilet, soon you will be able to see a pattern and be able to predict toileting times.

1. Supervise your dog/puppy when they are inside and confine them to a small area of the house at all times. If you cannot confine them, you can use the umbilical cord technique, which involves having your dog on a lead walking around with you around the house.
2. Learn when your dog/puppy needs to go to the toilet- puppies will usually toilet after waking up from a nap, after eating and after playing, dogs will have a more predictable toileting routine. 

• It is important to watch out for any sniffing, circling and pacing behaviours that may indicate your dog/puppy needs to go to the toilet. Mouthing/biting and rough play may also increase when they need to go to the toilet.

1. If your dog/puppy has an accident inside never punish them. Punishment, including verbal reprimands, only teaches a dog not to eliminate in front of people, making house training very difficult.

• If catch your dog/puppy eliminating inside calmly pick them up/put them on lead and take them outside, if they go to the toilet outside reward and praise them
• If you find your dog/puppy has toileted inside, simply clean it up. Do not rub their nose in it-that’s just rude! And don’t punish them, as they will have no idea why you are punishing them.

It is important to clean up any accidents with an enzyme cleaner such as ‘urine off’, if the area is not cleaned properly, they will go back to toilet in the same area because they will be able to smell it, even if we cannot. 

Rewarding Toileting Behaviour (in the right spot!)

Our goal here is to help your dog/puppy learn that toileting in the desired area is highly rewarding.

1. Take your dog/puppy to their designated toilet area on a regular schedule (after waking, eating, playing, and before bed)
2. Stay calm and give them time and space to toilet 
3. As soon as they finish toileting, give them a high-value reward (treat, praise, or play)
4. Repeat every time your dog/puppy toilets in the correct area so they build a clear association between toileting there and good things happening
5. Gradually, your dog/puppy will start choosing this area more consistently and you can 

Putting Toileting Behaviour on Cue

It can be very helpful to teach your dog or puppy a word that predicts toileting. Over time, this allows you to put the behaviour on cue, meaning you can eventually ask for it rather than waiting for it to happen naturally. This can make toilet training more efficient and predictable, especially when you are trying to create good habits or manage routines. 

1. Take your dog/puppy to their usual toilet area
2. As they are toileting, quietly say your chosen cue (e.g. “go toilet” or “wee wee”).
3. Allow them to finish toileting without further interruption
4. Immediately reward with a high-value treat and praise once they have finished
5. Repeat this consistently so your dog/puppy begins to associate the cue with the behaviour
6. Over time, your dog/puppy will start toileting on cue

Stress and Anxiety 

If stress and anxiety is causing toileting issues for your dog, it is important to identifying and addressing the source of your dog’s stress. This might include changes to routine, environmental triggers (e.g. building a new house next door/new dog next door), separation from family members, or other factors that are making them feel unsettled. Reducing stress where possible, while providing a predictable routine, consistency, and reassurance, can help improve your dog’s emotional wellbeing and, in turn, reduce inappropriate toileting linked to anxiety.

In these situations, it can be helpful to speak with your veterinarian, they may recommend calming support such as supplements (for example, Zylkene) or other mediation treatment options depending on your dog’s needs.