Dogs, whether marking or peeing, often prefer to use the same areas. The smell of a dog’s previous urine attracts it to the same spot, according to Vetinfo.com. Dealing with innate or genetically linked behaviors requires some effort to overcome the behavior. However, helping preserve the lawn by changing the dog’s behavior generally requires less effort than hosing the area after your dog pees. The method for retraining depends on your situation and abilities.
Make the current places your dog pees less welcoming. Use a variety of commercial repellents or install a sprinkler system that activates by motion to keep the dog out of the area, suggests veterinarian Steve Thompson of Purdue University. Watch your dog to see if the repellents make the dog leave or attract it. Try different repellents, if necessary.
Develop an area where the dog can eliminate using material such as pea gravel, mulch, sand or other absorbent material. Place a marking post, birdbath or lawn ornament to encourage marking in the area, advises Thompson. Collect urine and feces from the previous spot with a cloth, or collect urine in a cup as your dog pees. Put the urine and feces in the new area to encourage the dog to potty in that area. Take the dog out with a collar and leash to this area every day for at least two weeks. Continue to supervise the dog to ensure it uses this area for at least two weeks until it consistently goes to the right place.
Put your dog on a leash and take it outside to potty or take it for walks to potty away from your yard. This requires the most time-consuming management of where the dog pees and is not possible for some owners. However, it provides exercise and time with your pet.
Put up a kennel or fenced area in your yard where the dog can eliminate. Make sure your local regulations allow the addition of a kennel and determine the type of allowed fencing material. Build the kennel or fenced area where the dog has shade and shelter if the dog spends more time in the area other than just for eliminating, advises Kathie Hopkins, master gardener with Colorado State University.
Purchase underground wire and a training collar to create a section for the dog for elimination. Follow manufacturer instructions or consult a dog trainer for teaching the dog the invisible fencing area.
Tips
Using a key word, such as “potty” or “pee,” as the dog eliminates with a treat and praise immediately after helps increase the speed your dog learns where you want it to eliminate. Go back to using a leash and supervising should the dog return to previous spots.
Warnings
Motion activated sprinklers result in over-watering where many animals, children or pets cause the system to turn on. Use training only to solve this problem, not dietary changes. Using supplements to change the dog’s urine can result in serious health problems.
Warnings
Motion activated sprinklers result in over-watering where many animals, children or pets cause the system to turn on.
Use training only to solve this problem, not dietary changes. Using supplements to change the dog's urine can result in serious health problems.
Tips
Using a key word, such as "potty" or "pee," as the dog eliminates with a treat and praise immediately after helps increase the speed your dog learns where you want it to eliminate.
Go back to using a leash and supervising should the dog return to previous spots.
Items You Will Need
- Repellents
- Motion-activated sprinkler (optional)
- Pea gravel, mulch, sand or absorbent material (optional)
- Marking post, birdbath or lawn ornament (optional)
- Cloth or cup
- Collar and leash
- Kennel or fencing (optional)
- Invisible fencing and training collar (optional)
- Treats
References
Resources
Tips
- Using a key word, such as "potty" or "pee," as the dog eliminates with a treat and praise immediately after helps increase the speed your dog learns where you want it to eliminate.
- Go back to using a leash and supervising should the dog return to previous spots.
Warnings
- Motion activated sprinklers result in over-watering where many animals, children or pets cause the system to turn on.
- Use training only to solve this problem, not dietary changes. Using supplements to change the dog's urine can result in serious health problems.
Writer Bio
Daniel Cobalt lives in Georgia and has been writing online for over five years. He has a technical certificate in printing from the Philadelphia Printing School. His areas of expertise include fitness, home schooling, parenting, personal relationships, small business ownership and pet topics including breeding, training and responsible ownership.