#MiddleburyCT #LostPetScam #Scammer
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My 6-month-old, medium-size mixed breed dog Jake has a problem I can’t seem to train him out of. Whenever he gets excited, he leaves pee droplets across the floor. Jake is healthy and energetic, and he housetrained quickly. What can I do to stop the piddling? – Pupper Dad in Ohio
DEAR PUPPER DAD: There’s a very good chance that it can be resolved. It will take time and training, though.
Puppies under a year old piddle when they get excited or when they think they’re in trouble. Part of it may be a smaller bladder, but another part of it is what’s called “submissive urination.” Dogs piddle instinctively to signal that you are their superior. However, this isn’t a wild dog pack outdoors; it’s you and your dog and your beautiful hardwood floor.
Punishing or yelling at Jake when he piddles will not solve the problem. The real issue is one of confidence and of finding where he belongs in the household. Most puppies stop piddling at around one year old, especially in a home where there’s a predictable structure, as they mature and settle into their place in the family.
Encourage this during Jake’s first year by staying calm when he piddles. Yelling or trying to correct on the spot can make the problem worse. Clean up the urine and lead him to a different spot, and work on a basic command with him like “sit-stay.”
Try not to pay attention to Jake when you come in the door from work. Ask visitors to look away from him when they come in. Later, when you and your visitors are settled on the sofa, pay attention to Jake with lots of praise. Learn more at this link: www.tuftsyourdog.com/dogtrainingandbehavior/the-three-reasons-puppies-piddle-indoors.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.