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Canine Behavior/urinating
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Question
I have a 4 almost 5 month old Golden Retriever. When ever he has to go to the bathroom, he goes to the door and sits. But today alone he has urinated 3 time in the house. he does not squat or show any sign or having to go. All 3 times he has just gone while standing normal. I think it might be a medical reason. What are you thoughts.
Your dog is a puppy. Most puppies just squat and pee whenever they feel the need, even at his age. The Golden is a natural candidate for wanting to please you but he needs clear signals regarding WHAT pleases you. Perhaps he is not so clear in this regard.
You might need to be more vigilant about taking him outside. In other words, accompany him on a regular basis (especially after naps, and within an hour of drinking water), observe his pattern of need to eliminate, and then follow that pattern. When he is with you in the house, put him on a house lead (lightweight nylon) and, if you see him squat to pee (he won't be leg lifting for a while), clap your hands to interrupt (you don't want to yell NO or direct anything negative at him) and take him outside. Because his stream was interrupted it might take a few minutes for him to relieve himself appropriately but, when he does, praise and bring him back inside.
When housetraining a puppy, rule of thumb is that "accidents" can, and do, occur up to (and sometimes after) nine months of age. So owners need to maintain their reward based training regimen and keep their eyes peeled for possible mistakes. Make sure you thoroughly de-odorize areas where he has eliminated by using one of several special agents on the market for that purpose, like Nature's Miracle.
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Answers by Expert:
Jill Connor, Ph.D.
Expertise
I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.
Experience
30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.
Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals
Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training"
"The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"
Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley
Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc.
Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society
My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.
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