My MIL's dog is peeing in my kids' rooms!

allireed · 08-02-2011

Help! My mother in law moved in with us a couple of months ago and her pug/chihuahua mix 5 yr old dog keeps peeing and pooping in the house while we're sleeping, after my husband lets the dogs (we have a 13 yr old dog as well who never pees in the house) out around 3:30 a.m. the dogs are let out several times a day, so it isn't like this poor dog isn't being given the opportunity to go. She has peed in my daughter's room three times in the past week and in my son's room twice recently. She has pooped in our front room as well. Don't hate me but I am fantasizing about taking this dog several counties away and dropping her off at the humane society...but I can't do that to my MIL. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop this behavior?

Lunareclipse · 08-02-2011

The next time the dog pees on your children's bed, remove the bedspread and put it on your MIL's bed. Take the poop and put it in a bag and save it for her. Tell her to buy a crate and put her dog in there if she can't supervise it. It is your house. Tell your mother-in-law to take care of her dog or she and the dog should find another place to live. I know you probably don't want to make waves with your mother-in-law, but when it comes to her dog peeing on your children's beds, the health of your children comes first. The dog peeing on the floor isn't the dog's fault. It's the owner's fault for not properly supervising the dog. I would seriously tell her to get a crate and put the dog in there if it can't be supervised and only let it out to go pee and have some exercise time out in the yard. Right now it really shouldn't have free roam of the house until it's potty issues are solved.

allireed · 08-02-2011

The dog is not peeing on the beds, she is peeing on the floor. It is a behavioral problem that I am trying to find a resolution to..the dog is only doing this while everyone is asleep, so it really isn't that my MIL isn't supervising her dog properly, since she is asleep when it happens. We are trying to find a way to keep the dog in her room though until she wakes up. I am also having my kids close their bedroom doors now.. As for the dog pooping in the front room..I just don't know how to properly correct this behavior. There must be a reason she is doing it, I just want to try to find a way to correct the bad behavior.

Lunareclipse · 08-02-2011

Oh, then maybe you need to crate the pooch at night then or put a doggie gate on your MIL's doorway.

allireed · 08-02-2011

I think we are going to put a latch on her door so the dog can't push the door open, and have the kids close their doors..just wanted to see if anyone had any other helpful ideas. Thank you for taking the time to give your advice...

PatrickCampbell · 08-10-2011

This is the most common problem dog owners face when they bring their dog home. Pets are not like human so you need to teach your dog where it’s acceptable to pee. You should consider training the dog (though this should be done by your MIL). Be consistent with taking your dog outside to pee or poop regularly. It will be helpful in developing good habits.

cosraq · 08-12-2011

It is possible the dog to be jealous on the kids. Until your MIL move in, the dog was her only child. Your MIL should show him the same attention as before and try to play with the kids and the dog in the same time.

proudlez71 · 08-21-2011

My mom just got a puppy and is having the same issues... sounds to me like the dog is showing dominate traits and marking her territory... it is possible that she is trying to show the kids that she rules the roost... the best thing to do so that there are no accidents even if the door is closed is to crate the dog at night and give a treat each night there are no accidents... it is as if the dog is acting out when everyone is asleep and there is no attention... crating is the best way to train this behavior out of her without hurting her or anyone else... just be sure to only have enough space in the crate for her to lay down or turn around ... no more or less so that there isnt enough room for her to find a spot and go then lay down away from it.. another thing you can do is go to a pet supply store and purchase a spray to keep the dog out of areas you dont want them to be in... dogs dont like the spray and they wont pee or poop where it has been sprayed ... just another option if you dont wish to crate the dog... either way best of luck