October 22, 2013

My house trained dog has started urinating on our bed. Is this a dominance issue? What should I do?

Full Question:
Hello,

My otherwise very sweet, well-behaved and house trained cavalier puppy (9 months) has started urinating on our bed frequently. Especially when I'm washing the sheets and the duvet and mattress are bare. She is crated during the night but is allowed in the bed for snuggles. I've ruled out medical issues as she seems fine the rest of the time. Is this a dominance issue? What should we do?

Thanks
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
If she's only doing it on your bed, it sounds like she's "marking" but without a physical and having a urinalysis done by a vet, I can't say for sure what the motivation would be. The first step is to not allow her on your bed anymore. Whether she's showing dominance or just a lack of house training, I'd completely control her movements in and around the house. Dogs that urinate in the house or on furniture are not house trained (unless she has a UTI which would require a vet visit to determine).

Dogs that do this should not be given theĀ freedom to get up on beds or furniture. At 9 months old, she's an adolescent and I would recommend more rules for her.

Pack Structure for the Family Pet DVD
Basic Dog Obedience DVD

She should be on leash or in an exercise pen or crate at all times.

We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.

Good luck, I would make sure to have her checked by a vet just in case.

Cindy Rhodes

100% (9 out of 9)
respondents found this answer helpful
Did you find this Q&A helpful?
Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
100% (9 out of 9)
respondents found this answer helpful

Did you find this Q&A helpful?

Recommended Products
Scroll to Top