Tips For Dog Urination When Left Alone and Biting

by Anonymous Reader Followed by Suggestions from Our Veterinarian
(United Kingdom)

I've only had my Jack Russell for 2 weeks (I got him from a rescue centre). They think he is about 4 yrs old.

Everytime we go out or go upstairs (which he isn't allowed) he wee's. We thought he was getting better until yesterday. After only he has been left for half an hour he urinates on the floor (which was usual) and right across my corner settee, cushions and teddy's (which he's never done before). So it is not getting better, it is getting worse!!

And when told off growls, shows his teeth and has gone to bite a few times now!! We have a few nieces and nephews which he seems pleasant with (which he is all other times) bit scared at the same time, so when they come around we put a muzzle on (just in case).

He gets plenty of exercise, praise, and lots of play time!!!
I am really at the end of my tether now and considering taking him back to the rescue centre as I do not know what to do with him!!

Please can you give any tips to stop the dog biting and urination?

Vet Suggestions Dog biting and urination in the home

Hello,

When dealing with behavior problems in dogs, your rule of thumb should be to set the dog up for success and praise the good behavior while ignoring the bad. Your dog sounds like a perfect candidate for crate training. A crate is a small enclosure (i.e., a pet carrier) that is your dog’s den – his “safety zone.” It should be big enough for him to lie down comfortable, but not so large that he can urinate on one side and sleep on the other.

You can use the crate to teach your dog to urinate where you want by keeping him inside whenever you cannot supervise him. When it’s time for a potty break, take him straight outside and praise him lavishly when he goes where he should. When he’s loose in the house, an adult should be supervising him so if it looks like he needs to go he can be taken outside. If he urinates inside the house, clean it up but do not punish him.

The crate can also be his place to escape to when he becomes stressed (for instance when the kids are around). Place it in a quiet corner of the house and make sure he has some comfortable bedding inside on which to rest.

I am worried that your dog’s tendency to growl/bite could result in someone getting hurt. Your best option is to make an appointment with a veterinarian who specializes in behavior problems. He or she can diagnose the cause of your dog’s aggression (e.g., fear, dominance, etc.), come up with an appropriate behavioral modification plan, and even prescribe medications that can help the situation.

Best of luck,


Jennifer Coates, DVM