I have an 8-yr old male lab. He's been an outstanding hunting partner for many years. Trained to perfection, and he's never been a problem. Within the past 2 weeks, he's began to pee in the house, but only when he's home alone. He's had accidents in the past, one time due to illness, the other simply because he was left home alone for too long. He hasn't peed in the house for several years. I've thought about a few things, and here's what I've pondered:

Seperation Anxiety: Im thinking this is the problem. I am a firefighter, and I work a 24 hour shift. Ths obviously leaves the dog alone for a long time. BUT HE ISNT LEFT INSIDE THAT LONG!!!! Fortunately, I live just 3 blocks from my firehouse, so I can slip out and let the dog outside 2 or 3 times during my shift. Ill let him out at 7am, go to work, then go let him out at noon. But he's already peed by then. Even on my days off, and I'm home all day and night, he'll pee if I leave the house. Even if its only an hour to get groceries, he pees.

Jealousy: I have a 1-yd old child, but the dog has never shown any bad feelings toward her. She gives the dog food and treats, gives him hugs, and they play. Absolutely no problems that I can see. Ive even made extra time to give him play, and my undivided attention. Stills pees when Im gone.

Enviroment: I rearranged furniture to bring in the Chrismas tree. This might be a cause, but he hasn't bothered the tree at all. He isnt even peeing in the living room. So I dont think this is it.

Illness: He typically goes outside 3-4 times a day, when he wants to. The dog has no problems when I'm home. Not even overnight. He gets my attention or paces the floor when he needs to go. Just like his normal routine for years. When I'm gone is when he pees. This leads me to rule out illness, but no, I havent seen a vet yet.


I dunno what else could cause this. If this is seperation anxiety, I have no clue how to ease him. He's always been free to roam. Food, water, and toys available. Because of this I'm having to confine him to the kitchen. I may have to bring a crate in. I just dont know whats causing this, or how to fix it. I NEED HELP!!!!

lets see if I'm understanding correcty. he only does this when you are gone right? when you are home he tells you he has to go out right? ummm if you aren't there - how is he going to tell you he has to go out????

please get him checked for a UTI.

if he keeps peeing in the same spot maybe he can still smell the urine there, you need to treat it to get the smell out, not just wash it. i've heard that vinegar and water will get rid of it, or there are products you can buy, like urine erase that work well. if that dosnt work you should take him in to your vet, even if it is separation anxiety they can give you something to help, there are even all natural products, and of course they can give you advice. good luck