[terrible1one3]

I have a dog the vet put at about 3 or 4 years old. We rescued him from living in the middle of no-where Tennessee on a vacant lot next to my parents house in the country. He and a kitten were dropped off there.

He is a smaller black lab (mid 50lbs). He has grey on his chin and white spot on his chest. Has been neutered and other than some mangy ears he looked well taken care of. We rescued him and the kitty on Thanksgiving weekend and brought them to our new home in NOVA.

I grew up with animals but this is my first pet in about 6 years. The kitten had worms, bladder infection and needed to be spayed. The dog just had both of his distempering shots done.

The dog will not stop urinating in the house and also pooping. It is only in the basement and it is 100% marking, not because he has to.

We have taken him out for 15 minutes and he has come inside and lifted his leg to go.

We have tried every single thing google and the dog whisperer have to offer but we are at the end of our rope. He has a VERY strong urine that has ruined our entire basement carpet. We are with him CONSTANTLY throughout the day but he still somehow sneaks away to pee in the basement. He knows he is doing something wrong but just doesn't get it when it comes to going outside. He has been to the vet's twice since we have had him.

I am to the point where I am ready to give him up, my wife was there weeks ago. Please help, we like the dog we just can't deal with constant marking.

[Bacis Dad]

that was very nice of you to bring in 2 animals off of the street into your home! I am a little confused by your post, you had said that it is 100% marking but when he gets a chance he runs downstairs and pees. These are 2 totally different things. Marking is just a splatter, peeing is a puddle. Be careful on what you learn from the dog whisperer and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT punish or discipline this dog for doing this. If he is marking he is just trying to leave a pheremone behind to make him feel comfortable and safe. He is probably running to another room because he is scared to be disciplined. Are you crating him? And are you rewarding him when he goes outside? Please clarify if he is marking or urinating so we can be of better assistance and helping you successfully make your life and his a pleasant one together!

[DoggieVogue]

Have you tried crate training? Nearly all dogs avoid eliminating in the place they sleep. Maybe try putting him in the crate whenever you can't watch him. Also- are you using an enzyme cleaner to erase all traces of the smell of urine and feces? Regular household cleaners aren't the same thing- dogs can smell past those. His nose is much, much stronger than yours and if he can smell urine and feces, he will continue to go in the house. That smell tells him that it is okay to go there. Any time a dog slips back with housebreaking, its a good idea to treat them like a new puppy- start with housebreaking all over again!

[Lara's mom]

White vinegar also works to get rid of the smell and is inexpensive.

[Ward9320]

the vinegar thing really works.. I have used it myself a few times