One year old dog peeing all over

dante10 · 01-25-2010

We recently purchased a one year old Schnorkie(Miniature Schnauzer/Yorkie) and he seems to want to pee on carpet, floors and couches. We purchased him from an individual whom lived in a condo unit so the dog is litter trained. He has gone to the litter several times but seems to be a very timid dog and if he has made a mistake such as peeing on the floor, If I go to pick him up after his mistake he will be so nervous that he will pee on the floor.

Yesterday while we had company, we had our dog running about the house and he just jumped up on the couch and pee'd

I have contacted the individual I bought him from and they said he was not abused in anyway. He is neutered so he is not marking territory. We are giving the little dog one last chance and I am not sure what to do to curb the dogs peeing habits. He is such a lovely dog and I really do not want to get rid of him.

He does not pee outside and has only went number 2 maybe 2-3 times outdoors. He will poo in his litter box but it is urinating we are having an issue.

The previous owner stated that the dog had to be physically shown the littler box 3-4 times per day in order to pee. We currently have the dog in a room when not attended with two types of litter, paper pellets and scoopable litter. He does use them periodically but still tinkles if I go to pick him up.

What might be causing this issue and how can we prevent this in a one year old dog. He is on his last leash as the next time is out the door.

Thank you

Yogi · 01-26-2010

Has the dog been to the vet to check for a UTI. Sounds like somewhat of an uncontrollable issue as opposed to just peeing on everything for the sake of it.

dante10 · 01-26-2010

The dog has not been to the vet as I do not believe he has a UTI. He seems to be very timid and if I go to pick him up, he will run away and leave a trail of marks as if he is afraid and pee's himself.

If he does urinate on something, If I call him by his name in the obvious "you did something wrong voice" he is well aware he has made a mistake and if I go to get him, again he will run and tinkle.

It appears to me as if he was overy disciplined for his actions by the previous owner whom happened to be male and by myself also being male, he feels discouraged and afraid of me. He will come to my wife with no problems but it appears to be me he is having issues with male figures.

We left him in the room all day today with his litter and he did pee and poo in this. As soon as I came in from work and talked with the wife and went to pet the dog, he again urinated.

I do not think this issue is controlable as the damage appears to be done as he does not like male figures. The dog is over a year old and is very intelligent, I do not think he will forget the previous male owner and unfortunately it appears he thinks I am the same.

The dog will have to go to a female figure

Lara's mom · 01-26-2010

I think this problem can be solved. Don't call the dog if he pees or discipline him. Leave that to your wife. Sit on the floor and offer the dog a treat. Don't go to him. Let him come to you. Don't ever raise your voice. Use something he's likely to really like such as chicken or a bit of cheese. Don't even attempt to pet him unless he comes to you and seems comfortable. Allow the dog to sniff you and stroke him gently. If he backs away, allow him to do so. Try again later. If you are really patient and committed to making this work, the dog will slowly begin to trust you but, it will take time.

Bacis Dad · 01-26-2010

To me it sounds like he was abused, (or at least he feels that way) I urge you not to mistake his urinating for potty training errors. When you approach him and he pees, he is telling you that he is "submissive and to please not hurt him".
I want to first comment on the actual potty training, the biggest problem I saw with most potty training errors is too much freedom in the house. You noted that when he was left in the kitchen he used his box. Thats Great. What you would want to do is not let him out of his area until he has used his box and after he goes treat him and then give him freedom in the house. and slowly you would want to start expanding his confined area into a larger area.
As far as his submissive pee... What you have to do is start working on building his trust in you. Lara's advice was great just sit on the ground, Dont make eye contact, and just toss treats to him. You should also be the one that feeds him every day. As he slowly starts warming up to you, then you want to open up your communication to him. Start a training routine with him. Use only positive reinforcement and No Touching. If he knows how to sit, ask him for a sit and reward, as soon as he's done chewing ask for another sit and reward, repeat that and do it for 3-5 minutes multiple times throughout the day. And make sure you are using soft treats like hot dogs or cheese.
In the time being dont raise your voice to him, and NEVER use his name for punishment or in a dissapointing way. If he has an accident simply just clean it up. I know its easier said then done and we feel we need to tell him he did something wrong. But we need to start learning to instead of punishing for wrongdoing focus all your efforts on rewarding when he does something right. Trust me it is a much more effective technique!
Good Luck

sweetdog888 · 02-06-2010

I think the dog is still adjusting to his new environment. Give him a little more time. Goodluck!