If you have recently adopted an Australian shepherd and are struggling to get him to stop peeing in the house, you are not alone. Many pet owners face this frustrating problem and it can be difficult to find a solution. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help your pup learn appropriate potty habits and keep your home clean. In this article, we will discuss how to identify the cause of your pup’s accidents, as well as how to prevent and correct the behavior in the future.
What Causes Australian Shepherds to Pee in the House?
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Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active and loyal dogs. They are also known for having a strong will and can be stubborn at times. Unfortunately, this strong will can result in undesirable behaviors, such as peeing in the house. Before you can begin to address the issue, it is important to understand why your Aussie is urinating inside.
Inadequate Potty Training
An Australian Shepherd that has not been adequately potty trained is more likely to urinate inside. Aussies are highly trainable and should be taught from a young age to go to the bathroom outside. Once they understand where they should go, they should be taken there consistently and rewarded with treats after they do their business.
Marking Territory
Australian Shepherds are known for marking their territory, which can result in peeing in the house. Aussie males are especially prone to this behavior and may mark their space with urine, especially if there are other animals in the house.
Medical Reasons
Sometimes, the problem of peeing in the house can be attributed to a medical issue. A urinary tract infection can cause a dog to urinate more often and in inappropriate places. Additionally, a dog with a bladder infection may have difficulty controlling their bladder and may have accidents. If your Aussie is displaying any other unusual behaviors or symptoms, it is best to take them to the vet for a checkup.
How to Stop an Australian Shepherd From Peeing in the House
Once you have determined why your Aussie is peeing in the house, you can begin to take steps to stop the behavior.
Crate Training
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to stop your Aussie from peeing in the house. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down in comfortably. It should also be lined with a soft bedding material to make it more inviting. When you are away or unable to supervise your Aussie, they should be placed in the crate. This will help to prevent them from having accidents in the house.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine and sticking to it can also help to stop your Aussie from peeing in the house. Take your Aussie outside first thing in the morning and after meals. This will help them to establish a pattern of when and where they should do their business. Additionally, encourage your dog to go outside by praising them and giving them treats when they go in the appropriate spot.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to train your Aussie and stop them from peeing in the house. When your dog goes to the bathroom in the appropriate spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will reinforce the desired behavior and encourage them to continue going to the bathroom in the correct spot.
Clean Up Accidents Quickly
If your Aussie has an accident, it is important to clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. Dogs are attracted to the scent of their own urine and will be more likely to urinate in the same spot if they can still smell it. Cleaning up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner will help to remove the odor and discourage them from going in the same spot again.
Seek Professional Help
If you are unable to stop your Aussie from peeing in the house, it is best to seek professional help. A vet or animal behaviorist can help you to identify the cause of the problem and come up with a plan to address it. They may recommend medication, behavior modification techniques or a combination of both.
By understanding the causes and taking steps to address the issue, you can help your Aussie to stop peeing in the house. With patience and consistency, you can help your Aussie to learn the appropriate behavior and keep your house clean and dry.
##Common Myths about Stopping an Australian Shepherd from Peeing in the House
1. Rubbing the dog’s nose in their urine will teach them not to pee indoors – This is an outdated and ineffective method of training. Rubbing a dog’s nose in their urine can cause them to become fearful and can lead to more aggressive behavior.
2. Punishment is the best way to stop a dog from peeing indoors – Punishment is not recommended as it can create a negative association with being in the house and can lead to more aggressive behavior. Instead, it is important to establish a routine and use positive reinforcement when the dog goes outside.
3. An Australian shepherd will never be house-trained – It is possible to teach an Australian shepherd to be house-trained. It can take some time and patience, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, it can be done.
4. An Australian shepherd will always pee in the house – This is not true. With the right training and consistency, an Australian shepherd can learn to go to the bathroom outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How do I get my Australian shepherd to stop peeing in the house?
Answer: The first step is to determine why your Australian shepherd is peeing in the house. Possibilities could include a medical issue, anxiety, or lack of house training. If medical issues are ruled out, you can then work on proper house training and behavior modification techniques to get your Australian shepherd to stop peeing in the house.
Question 2: What can I do to prevent my Australian shepherd from peeing in the house?
Answer: To prevent your Australian shepherd from peeing in the house, make sure they have plenty of access to the outdoors for potty breaks and schedule consistent potty breaks. Also, if the Australian shepherd is house trained, make sure to provide plenty of rewards for good behavior. Finally, make sure to follow through with any behavior modification techniques you may be using.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are intelligent and active dogs that can be stubborn at times. Urine marking, inadequate potty training, and medical issues can all contribute to an Aussie urinating inside. To prevent peeing in the house, implement crate training, establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, clean up accidents quickly, and seek professional help if needed. With patience and consistency, you can help your Aussie learn the appropriate behavior.
