We are having a difficult time with our 5 year old Welsh Terrier, Gunni and his bladder control. He was a kennel dog before we got him and has amazing bladder control and often only pees twice a day. Many days it is 3 times, but frustratingly enough, there are a lot of only "twice a day" days.
Now, he drinks what I would consider a normal amount of water. When he does condescend to pee, he goes like a little race horse! He gets 4 good walks almost every day and doesn't even lift his little leg once on at least 2 of these walks. He doesn't mark. He ignores it when Mags pees. He wanders around looking most bored when I take him out at bedtime. I just can't put him to bed at 12 when he hasn't peed since 4 and won't get out again until 7 or 8, so I am running all over my neighbour's fields trying to get him to pee. Going in our yard is not an option. Just not going to happen. Been there tried that for a long time, then I get frustrated and hit the road. Same with the "do pee" expression. Totally means nothing to him. Nor do treats.
One day this week he peed at 11 p,m. The next morning on his early walk, nothing. On his noon time walk, nothing. Then he comes in the house and 1/2 hour later pees all over the floor. With no warning or anything. This has only happened twice since we have had him so it is not a huge deal, but......
So my question is: any ideas on how to encourage him to pee. The vet is stymied. Our patience is about shattered and it is totally taking away the pleasure we should be having with him. Every conversation at our house starts with, " Did Gunni pee?" If the answer is yes, we do the dance of joy! Can you believe we are so obsessed with our dog's pee habits? I of course, being a nurse, fear bladder issues if he holds it too long, infections, etc.
Any advice will be gratefully received and tried. I am ready to run around a tree counterclockwise with my clothes on inside out if that would work!
5 comments:
One thing you might try is when he has an accident in the house, instead of getting a mop out soak up the pee with a few paper towels, and then place them outside in an area you'd like for him to use. Put a rock or something on them so that they won't blow away. Then, when you take him out to do his business take him to those paper towels. Maybe just the smell of his urine outside will entice him...
Hoping you find something that works!
Debra in NC
Yes, that's something to try. I haven't had that problem with Jewel, and the new puppy pees every time I take her outside no problem. It can't be good for his kidneys and bladder to hold it that long!
I wish I could help. Treats work well for Reese (lol). The paper towel idea might be worth a try....it can't hurt.
Thanks to Debra in NC for the advice. That is the best idea I have heard yet and I will definitely be trying that! I am almost tempted to let him pee in the house just so I can try it out! (Kidding)
Oh, one more thing.....when he does happen to pee outside, make sure you praise him and put a name to his action. When I housebreak a puppy and they actually go potty outside, I'll say "Good puppy, that's a good pee." Get excited over it, and let your dog feel your excitement over his doing it right. :-)
It might sound a bit silly, but by adding a name to the action it makes it easier for your dog to remember the action. It's kinda like when you want to stop a dog that likes to bark too much, you first get them to bark and put the name "speak" to what they're doing. Then, when they bark when you don't want them to, you're stopping them from speaking.
Hope this helps you!
Debra in NC
Post a Comment