Dog Advice Topic: Housebreaking

September 27th, 2004
Lately my adult dog (3 years old) has been having accidents in the house. We've had her since she was a puppy and she hasn't had any issues since then but suddenly we are finding wet spots and stains around the house. What is going on?
- Wet Feet in Winnetka

First of all, thanks for being our first letter on "The Bark on the Street"! I'm so excited to get the chance to help out all those dog and dog owners out there! But back to Wet Feet. There could be a few things going on here.

First, did you make any major changes to your life? Did you move, change marital status, have someone just move in or out (roommates, children, parents...)? All of these life changing events put a lot of stress on us dogs. We like our regular schedule - don't rock the boat is the doggie motto.

If any of these things did occur then the accidents are most likely just to relieve stress. We can't have high blood pressure so we make ourselves feel better by three things - barking, chewing and, you guessed it, going to the bathroom.

So if one of these events did happen just go back to what you did when you were originally potty training. Take us out often, praise like crazy when we go in the appropriate spot, don't give us the chance to go in the house. When we're not outside keep us on a leash tied to you or in a crate that isn't big enough for us to go and then sit on the other side.

Also regulate our food and water. Remember the things that makes us have to go are eating, drinking, playing hard and sleeping. So right after we do any of those things, take us out. We probably have to go. If we could flush we would!

If none of those things work, consider if it is a medical issue. Sometimes we get infections. Even though a lot of us don't like it, take us to the vet. Remind us that we will feel better in the long run!

And that's the bark on the street!
Bark up!
Bella

Think you got a stumper for Bella? Send her your problem and check back to see if your email is selected!