This article is to discuss and give an non-bias approach to stopping pet urine problems in your home. OK…here we go…the long awaited answer! “How can you prevent dogs from urinating in your home and on carpet?” Guess what…you can’t…this is not possible! Pet sprays, fancy pheromones and yelling at your pet “Will Not Work!” So for pet owners that have pets and carpet in their home…this will never happen! This is the #1 question our technicians get as Pet Urine & Odor Remediation Specialist.

 

The first thing you must understand is the “Mind Set” of your pet and why is this happening. This sounds completely ridiculous…I know, but trying to understand your pet will help in making decisions to cure the problem. Again, sounds ridiculous, but there are things you can do to prevent these types of issues from happening and the problem will subside with time. First, as a living creature, your pet (no matter the breed) are super smart and learn similar to us. Just like a baby drinks from a bottle, then a sippy cup, then an adult glass…dogs learn in a similar way! It’s all about consistency and working with your pet on a daily basis. If this stands “Not To Be True” then why does your pet know his/her name? Why do pet owners talk to their pets in “Baby Talk” just like they would to a human baby and the pet get’s excited and jumps around in excitement. Why are breeds such as “German Shepherds” used by the DEA, Law Enforcement and the FBI to search and assist law enforcement officers. The United States Secret Service uses dogs for security purposes…these dogs were trained! The expectation of owning a pet and expecting your pet to morph into human behavior (ie: making the decision to urinate outside) does not happen over night…it takes time…that’s why human babies wear diapers! My point, when you need to go to the bathroom “what do you do?” you “go to the bathroom” your little buddy is no different! This is a normal brain function for any living creature. We understand the frustration level among pet owners, but reality is a reasonable approach.

 

Having said that, no matter how much you train your pet…there will be accidents! So you must have a reasonable expectation on how long it takes to train your pet…be patient! You must start training your pet/puppy from day one or you have immediately set a standard of inconsistency! Typically, with inconsistency comes irregularity in urination patterns and your pet will not learn a set standard (time to go outside and urinate). In other words, “Bad Teacher” equals “Bad Student” and your pet will not learn what NOT TO DO! Adult dogs and young puppies typically have a bowel movement after they eat morning, noon or evening. This is caused by stimulation (body speeds up) to start the digestive process and your pet is just hungry! No matter what time of day they eat, your sure to have a bowel movement shortly after eating. If not, then a different pattern has been set and determining when your pet will urinate will be much more difficult.  If you don’t already, start letting your dog outside immediately after eating and you will notice different urination and bowel movements in about a week….some take longer. After your pet is outside, watch them Pee and Poo! If you don’t watch them (especially in the beginning) then you might end up with an accident in the home. If you leave food out all day, then your letting your pet determine when they urinate/bowel movement. If food is left out all day, then your probably not home to monitor them anyway…then you get to clean up the mess! Just like a baby has feeding and nap time, your pet needs the same thing.

 

Next, create boundaries for your pet such as “No Go Zones!” In other words, your home has doors “Close Them” to set boundaries. Sounds too simple, but most pet owners do not do this! If your pet is allowed to run all over the house, then they will urinate all over the house! Setting boundaries will allow more control to monitor your pet and make adjustments when needed…consistency is a must! Your pet is smart and wants to learn. Stimulate your pets brain by speaking to them with commands…not sentences or baby talk! Commands such as “No” is simple enough for them to learn. If your pet heads towards a “No Go Zone” say “No” immediately and they will turn away…once programmed! Give it time…do not give up…believe in them and you will be rewarded with a well trained pet. You can even make up your own command and they will follow. Sometimes even the best training can fall short, but there is typically a reason why!

 

My point, sometimes homes have items that attract your pet such as wool rugs. Here’s why. As you know, wool comes from a sheep and is classified as a “Natural Animal Fiber” and your dog/puppy knows it! The wool odor is strong and your pet will mark it with their own scent…this is natural behavior! But, your rug and pocketbook will think otherwise. It’ best to remove all wool rugs when training a new adult dog or puppy. Any grass like (long fiber) rug will attract your pet to urinate on it…remove them too! As your pets leader, letting your pet know that your “The Boss” is super important! In order for everything mentioned above to work properly your pet must trust you! If not, you will probably not be successful in training your pet. When we say “The Boss” this means that your dog/puppy will react in a positive manner when commanded and obey your command. Rewarding your pet is a great way to build your relationship even more, but don’t over treat your pet or it will be expected. Positive verbal communication is enough…the treat is a bonus! You want them to work with you treat or not! Be sure to always be the first to enter and exit your home when letting your pet outside to urinate. This shows your pet that your leading the way and they follow you! This is a safe way to keep your pet indoors if needed and no more runaway dogs! These are all things you can do to keep your pet from urinating in your home. I sounds like a lot, but it’s really not that difficult once you get going. In all, your sure to create a great environment for you and your pet…they are worth it!