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Peeing in the house training

I have a 5 1/2 year old male Bichon Frise that about two years ago lost his house training and started peeing in the house. I had him thoroughly checked for various things at the vet and all possible things were ruled out. My feeling is it is his way of showing he is unhappy when we leave. He is now peeing in other places. If he is caught in the act he is sprayed with a water bottle and given a time out in his crate.

He is treated like royalty-sleeps on the bed etc. just so you don’t think he is neglected, actually just the opposite!

Julie

Hi Julie,

I’m not getting why you think he’s “acting out” because “he is unhappy when we leave” as you’re indicating it happens when you’re home as well. It’s possible that his house training missteps are anxiety related if the incidents when you’re home coincide with some sort of stressful occurrence. However, it’s also possible this is connected to his being treated like royalty rather than a dog.

I think a lot of dogs see their humans at best as college roommates rather than leadership figures. This often devolves into behaviour issues and always makes them harder to resolve. Your dog might be just wondering why you’re not saving yourself a walk to the bathroom too. It’s hard to say, so it’s worth hiring a balanced trainer to come in and have a look at your house training problem and work out what’s behind it. Trying to resolve house soiling that is anxiety oriented vs relationship oriented vs just an insufficiently organized approach (see the last paragraph regarding my free house soiling resolution cheat sheet.)

I know there are dog trainers that think a “time-out” in a crate is more humane then actually saying, “No!” in a manner meaningful to the dog. I’m not one of them. In nature, a “time-out” is something a mother dog, wolf, ape, gazelle etc. might do to her young if she wants something to eat them. It just isn’t used as an “educational” tool. I’m not saying that time alone is not something that a dog might perceive as a discipline but it’s an unnecessary workaround and makes it harder for a dog to connect the dots. In the animal kingdom, if discipline is required, it happens on the spot in a clear and fair manner. A timeout would risk a return to find nothing left but blood, bones and fur so I’m pretty sure it’s not the best way to help a dog connect the dots.

Contrary to the more politically correct, but I think sadly misguided dog trainers, discipline and abuse is not the same thing. Just because they can’t see the dog when it feels bad doesn’t mean that’s more humane then addressing the behaviour in an immediate manner.

Besides, crates aren’t for punishment they are for rest, sanctuary and moments of the day when diligent supervision is required but isn’t practically possible. (Here’s a tip on how to make a crate slightly more comfortable.)

The water bottle is another piece of new-wave bizarreness. It’s another illogical connection using weak science to define what a humane “correction” is. Some dog trainers think that making a dog feel bad about something by spraying water at it is more humane than a well-timed fair verbal correction.

The truth is that both are useless if the dog isn’t making the right connection. Depending on the timing and perceptiveness of the person holding the water bottle I’ve seen more than one dog just think that water bottles are horrible. One might say that’s better than the dog thinking their human is horrible but I don’t agree that is even possible in a normal human/dog relationship. We’re all wired well enough to cope with fair discipline provided by the teachers in our lives and the overall time a dog spends with its human companion is by far counterbalanced with love which keeps the discipline component in context.

house soiling - House Train Your Puppy in 5 Days - One Spot 3X/day.Send me an email requesting a free house training program to help get on track to resolve your dog’s house soiling problem. (I recently added a simple progress chart) It will be a big help get your dog back on track. Keep in mind this is the basic approach for getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate, to do so 3 times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard. If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long-standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/ (The e-booklet is only $4.97 but I still think hiring a balanced trainer is a better first step.)

Pawsitively yours,

John Wade

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73 thoughts on “Peeing in the house training”

  1. I am so absolutely fed up with my 2 10 yr old Bichons. They used to be housebroken and now they literally cannot be trusted at all inside house. They will pee or poop anywhere, especially on rugs. They will go in the crate also. I will NEVER get another bichon…I don’t want to resort to potty pads but I cannot have them ruin my house any more. They are fine health wise. I just can’t take it anymore.

    1. Hi Karen,

      I understand your frustration. No need to ever get another Bichon but this isn’t a reason as the problem you are having isn’t a known breed trait.

      When you say “used to be housebroken”, how long ago was that? The two main reasons that a dog (rarely two at the same time) loses it house training when it has been good all its life is either health related or anxiety triggered (changes in routine, household structure – or possibly health). Another reason is dementia but they don’t seem old enough for that.

      How sure are you that they are healthy? Did your vet do a complete blood panel?

      Have they ever had episodes like this in the past that they recovered from?

      If you’re sure that this isn’t anxiety or a health issue this inexpensive downloadable ebook about housetraining will help you dot your i’s and cross your t’s. (I wrote it)

    2. Did you figure out a way to train them? I’m at my wit’s end with our 11-year-old male Bichon. He’s been peeing everywhere for years. Can’t even leave a pair of shoes on the floor. The thing is he does it when we’re not looking so we can’t really scold him. I’m sick of doing the diapers thing, because you have to change it every time he goes in/out.

      1. Hi Holly,

        How long has been doing this? Sounds more like a marking problem than a house training problem. That would mean he needs to be clued in to who is living in whose home. That’s a relationship/training problem. You’ll not accomplish that in a ‘All Positive/Purely Positive/Force-Free/Never Say No/R+…’, treat, treat, treat training class. That’s more of a heroin dealer/heroin addict relationship as opposed to loving authority figure/child/student relationship. If you can’t find local help, I recommend my ‘Virtual+’ – Behavior Problem Program. It won’t be easy but it’s doable.

        – John Wade

  2. Betty cole

    Also a bichon issue: got a 3 year old as a therapy dog for our son. She’s great at that, but never tells us when she needs to pee. Just does it! Usually in the dining room. Will also poop in the middle of the night if not crated.

  3. I have a dog I have been trying to housebreak for a year with no success. I have crated, taken her out every hour, taken her out for last walk at midnight, restricted feeding times, and still she will go in her crate at night and during the day. I tried diapers thinking it may help her learn control, but she still went. I have corrected her with the no bad dog, in a stern voice, no improvement. She has taken to pooping and peeing now when I am not looking. She just doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. And she eats it. I would like to know if you have any tips with a dog like this, because I don’t want to make her an outdoors dog, but with two toddlers and a baby on the way, I can’t clean the crate and bathe the dog five times a day. Thank you in advance

    1. It’s possible you don’t have a dog with a house soiling problem. House soiling can be a symptom of anxiety (or poor health). If not, I would recommend reading my house training booklet.

      John

  4. sue miller

    Please send Housetraining cheat sheet. i, too, have a 4 year old Bichon rescue who is basically house trained but will randomly pee in house, especially when it rains or in days after. Is the training the same as for a puppy?

      1. Could I possibly get a guide sheet to? I have a seven month old Bischon I take him out at least 3 times a day n he still goes in the house….

  5. Max leuenberger

    We’re at the end of our rope with our 6 year old bichon. She’s started to pee on rugs in the house. Vet has done a full battery of tests and found nothing wrong. We give a stern correction when we catch her in the act but she’s very sneaky. Help!

    1. Hi Max,

      If she hasn’t a history of this and by nature she’s not a nervous natured dog I still wouldn’t write off that there’s something potentially going on physically regardless of the tests. What was she tested for? Urinary tract and related infections? Blood work, ear problems, tooth problem, X-rays, eyesight issues, blood panel? Otherwise has something occurred recently in her or your household that has upset the equilibrium? Either way this sort of soiling is a message. I call it p-mail.

      If it’s not due to a physical or routine upset then some information is missing. If it were a straight housetraining problem I’d suggest start by having her drag her leash around and supervise her like a 2 year old for the next 6 months. When you might be distracted by something enough that leash or not you can’t interrupt her sneaking away, use her crate like a playpen. Put her in it but – near you – not isolated. Download my house training cheat sheet and follow those instructions as well.

      John

  6. Love to get your cheat sheet also. My bischon is 8 and having this pee problem.thanks

  7. Would also love the cheat sheet. My dog has been doing the same thing the past month.

  8. Please..could I have you email me your sheet for dog peeing

  9. Hi John,
    We are struggling with our Bichon too. I love Billy, but we just figured out he has been peeing on one rug in our home. We got rid of it and put his nose in it and crated him. He does not get it. I am hoping for any help. We love him, but this is a problem. He is such a love and we take him out 3 times a day with walks. Help!
    Thank you!

    1. Hi Sue,

      There’s not enough information for me to provide targeted input. A dog’s history, age etc. can help put things in a context that gives direction. I’m going to send by email my house training cheat sheet and a progress chart to help keep you on track but if this is an anxiety problem or there is an underlining health issue you might be putting the cart before the horse and get further discouraged. FWIW, the putting the dog’s nose in it concept must have worked on some dog some time for such an idea to continue in circulation but it can back fire. Have a look at the cheat sheet and get back to me if you have questions. Check your email. (junk/spam folders too if not in your inbox in the next few minutes.

      – John

  10. Thank you! Billy will be 4 years old next week and we are not sure how long he has been peeing inside. Thank you so much. I am going to call the vet about a urinary track infection. He does have some anxiety. He really is the best.

    1. I wondered about the urinary tract infection but they typically aren’t targeting a single area when that’s the case. Definitely have it checked though. If he does it more so when you’re not home, rather then when you are, it’s more likely to be anxiety based. Has he ever soiled in his crate?

      John

  11. Thank you! Never any accidents in his crate, but he paws the crate and bloodies his paws in the crate. I do not like to put him in the crate. I am going to try a bigger crate and ask our vet. Thanks again!

    1. Hi Robin,

      I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

      John

        1. Hi Mary,

          I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

          John

  12. Is it possible that when dogs bark they have to pee and poop and the owners are missing the signals?

    1. Hi Robin,

      Anything is possible but in these cases I don’t think it’s probable. For what it’s worth I have never believed methods that involve a dog signaling through barking or bell ringing etc. is wise. Instead it’s better to train them to go out on a schedule (as outlined in my “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet”).

      – John

  13. What about the going in circles and going to the door signals that people miss? And people that clean spots with ammonia smelling products that smell like pee to the dog?

    1. Rubbing a puppy’s nose in it and spanking them is like spanking a baby for pooping it’s diaper.

  14. i need your cheat sheet as well. Im at my wits end with my Bichon. 🙁

    1. Hi Sharla,

      I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

      Keep in mind this is the basic approach for getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate, to do so 3 times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard. If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/ The e-booklet is only $4.97.

      John

    1. Hi Rose,

      I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

      Keep in mind this is the basic approach for getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate, to do so 3 times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard. If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/ The e-booklet is only $4.97.

      John

  15. Norma MacPherson

    I have just rescued an adorable Bichon, and I realise his peeing in the house is due to the change in circumstances at the moment. I think your cheat sheet would help me help him! May I have a copy please? Thank you.

    1. Hi Norma,

      I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

      Keep in mind this is the basic approach for getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate, to do so 3 times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard. If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/ The e-booklet is only $4.97.

      John

  16. Please send the House Training Cheat Sheet. My 16 mo old Bichon pees twice in 15 minutes outside, and then within 30 minutes of being back in the house she pees on the floor, rug or carpet.

    1. Hi Jan,

      I’ve sent by email “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.

      Keep in mind this is the basic approach for getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate, to do so 3 times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard. If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/ The e-booklet is only $4.97.

      John

  17. Maryann ERICKSON

    a friend wants to give us his 13 month old bischon. He has been kept outside since the owner became frustrated trying to housebreak hIm. the dog has been checked out by a vet n has no health issues.

  18. Lindsay

    We have 2 bichons (Bro & sis). a year old and she has started peeing on our bed and we keep it seems about 400 pads out all the time. At our wits end. HELP!!, Please

    1. May be p-mail as opposed to true house training problem. I have some information I can send for house training problems but probably won’t impact if this is an anxiety and/or confusion as to who is living in who’s home. Could be medical as well but depends on frequency. Check your email as I’ll send some information,

      Regards,

      John Wade
      http://www.askthedogguy.com
      519-457-9559

      Patreon is an easy inexpensive way to support
      the ‘Ask the Dog Guy’ column by letting fans
      like you fund each piece of created content.

      https://www.patreon.com/askthedogguy

  19. Rachelle

    Hi! I too have a Bichon Frise and we are beside ourselves and regularly wanting to kill him for the constant urinating on anything. He will urinate on a rug or doona hanging on the side of my child’s bed while I’m standing there. He barks continually if I put him outside or in his crate. I am continually disciplining the dog who will soon be 11 months old. My husband is at the point of giving him away. Please help!

  20. Charlene

    Will you please send me a cheat sheet as well. My daughter is planning to rehome her 10 year old Bichon because he keeps peeing in the house. I’m
    Not supporting her decision at all because I feel like he will be depressed and confused. 🙁
    Thank you
    Charlene

    1. I will send to your email address however if the dog is 10 years of age and this is a recent development I’d suggest a veterinarian visit for a complete physical. The obvious areas would be urinary tract etc type issues but blood work, X-rays, dental check, eyes, hearing etc would be in order as a dog can start sending p-mail when things are not as they should be. That can include upheaval as perceived by the dog in day to day environment and routines if the dog has historically been thought of as a sensitive nature dog.

      John

  21. Will you please send me the cheat sheet my dog is having issues:(

    1. Hi Carmen,

      I’ve sent to the email address you provided the house training cheat sheet and a chart to track progress. Check your spam/junk filter if not found in your inbox.

      John

  22. Our 7 year old Bichon is staining our house. She pees on everything, including her beds. She pees when we’re home, she pees when we’re gone. Just took her in and her urine is clear (she’s had crystals and is on a de-acidfyer and presc. food). This isn’t a new behavior. We’d have to kennel her 24/7 to stop the peeing. Any advice? Is this common for Bichons?

  23. MaryFlexser

    Need training sheet and help on bed wetting at night I take her out at 10 pm doesn’t help

  24. heather

    hi john i have a 16 week old bichoni have been taking him out and he as done his toilet but after 20 min or so he will pee in the house or poo yet he is brilliant at nite he is very mischievous in the day n evening before bed time as well chewing any thing grabbing my trousers or slippers when walking about any tips b grateful heather

  25. Harshin

    Hi John, could you please share the cheat sheet and some tips on housebreaking for my 9 week Bichon. Much appreciated. Thanks

    1. Sure thing. Check your email. If not in your inbox, check spam/junk folders. I’m sending cheat sheet and a progress chart. By the time your pup is 16 weeks you should find 3 times a day and single spot in the yard.

      John

  26. May I get a tip sheet also? We have a 9 week old goldendoodle that I’m trying to train to use a patch of sod on our apartment balcony just until he has gotten all his shots. He pees on the sod patch wonderfully and quickly but will not poop on it!!!

  27. Lisa Elwood

    Please send me a copy of your cheat sheet my mom is about to give her 2 bichion frisée away because of peeing in the house, they are 2 years old and were house broken. Thanks!

    1. Hi Lisa,

      I’ll send shortly. Check your junk/spam filter if nothing in your inbox. The cheat sheet will help get things back on track but I suspect only if you address what triggered two previously house trained two-year-old dogs to start soiling. I’ll send a guide to finding appropriate training as well as I think you may need some additional help.

      John ‘Ask The Dog Guy’ Wade

  28. Jill Reynolds

    Could I please get the dog house training cheat sheet?

    1. Hi Jill,

      I’ve sent to your email: “John Wade’s House Training Cheat Sheet” and a chart you can use to track progress. (Check your spam or junk folders if not in your inbox.)

      This is the basic approach for:

      • Getting a pup on track for learning where they should eliminate (in the same, small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard)
      • Move from several times a day to three times a day on a schedule and to do so in a small area so you aren’t cleaning up “landmines” all over the yard.

      If you want something more detailed then the cheat sheet and especially if you are having a long-standing problem I’d recommend buying my more detailed e-booklet – http://store.askthedogguy.com/how-to-housetrain-a-puppy-in-5-days-or-less-by-john-wade/

      The e-booklet is only $4.97 CND (which translates into U.S. funds as about $3.75.)

      Regards,

      John ‘Ask The Dog Guy’ Wade
      Embracing Science and Common Sense

  29. B.Mullin

    Please send training cheat sheet and chart. Thank you
    My 19 month old bichon was trained,but pee twice all of a sudden. I am checking with vet tomorrow.

    1. Sent. Check your junk or spam folders if not in your inbox.

      Regards,

      John ‘Ask The Dog Guy’ Wade
      Embracing Science and Common Sense
      London’s #1 Referred Puppy and Dog Trainer

  30. Having all the same issues as previous post.
    2 year old bechon that I bought from a breeder(puppy mill) she knows to go out side.
    She adores me to the point that she is by my side every minute. She is very sensitive and will cower at the littlest things. I cannot scold her it breaks her trust! I have
    Anything you can send would be very appreciated. Thank you Terri

    1. Hi Terri,

      Sorry, I haven’t updated the entire site to say so, but because I get so much mail, I’ve decided to give response priority to people that take the time to send in some video as I can provide far better insight than any written reply might provide. I know it’s more effort on your end, but in the end, I believe you’ll find it’s worth it. I’m just starting to offer this so there currently isn’t a backlog, so there’s a good chance I’ll get to your video sooner, rather than later.

      Based on what I know so far, I would recommend the following:

      1. How she behaves when she is not “by my side every minute”.
      2. Examples of her sensitivity that triggers cowering.
      3. Elaboration as to what you mean ’scold her it breaks her trust’

      Here’s the link for sending me videos:

      Send Video Of Your Dog To Ask The Dog Guy For Input

      – John Wade (www.askthedogguy.com)

  31. Irene Armstrong

    Would it be possible to send me the cheat sheet for dogs that are urinating in the house. My male bichon is 5 1/2 and occasionally urinates or poops in the house. He only does it in the livingroom on the carpet. He never used to but in the last 2 years or so he has started leaving me a present! Strange because I am now retired and am home with him all the time rather than going to work every day. I never catch him doing it so I am not sure what I should be doing. Maybe your sheet will give me a clue as there are no trainers in my area. Thanks.

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