|
Viewer Question Topic: Housebreaking / Marking
We have had Lucky for over two years now and he has always been a generally well behaved dog. Never since we have had him has he relieved himself in the house, but just recently, he has begun to pee in a certain indoor spot. Over the course of a month, it happened about 2 times, but over the last few days, it has happened EVERY DAY!!!!! Yesterday, he even pooped on the spot.
Some things that have been different lately are:
-Christmas. A lot of people were around and some of our family members feed
him MANY table scraps, which we never do.
-He didn't eat for about three days and afterward he ate a lot more than
normal.
-The man of the house (his master) was called away for work, so he has been
gone for a few days. He is not alone though. Unlike most of the year, I (a
college student) am here with him all day now.
Any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated. THIS MUST STOP!
- Jerrylyn, Lucky
Hey Jerrylyn,
First of all, this dog's life has changed drastically. Check in with a vet; some table scraps could be giving him physical
problems. Pain in the belly plus a total change in routine, companions, diet, etc... are hard to adjust to, especially all at once.
His master being gone and the problem getting much worse over "the last few days" seem to be related. He may be very upset
about these changes. So, check for a physical cause first, then talk to his master about how to comfort and reassure him. He's
probably overwhelmed. Try putting an old, smelly article of his master's clothing on the spot where he usually messes - it
might help. If he moves it repeatedly, staple it to the floor for a few days; that worked with a very upset Cocker Spaniel that I
knew. If it is separation anxiety, this may do it. He needs to be comforted. Also try to get his schedule back to normal.
One note: if you cannot keep the family members from the dog, and they insist on feeding the dog table scraps, threaten to
stop feeding them! Or at least guerilla poop attacks! (Make them think twice).
return to Question Topic: Housebreaking / Marking
go to top of the page
 |