Help needed! Starting to pee on the couch!

[carrie]

Work on a key word - I use "Busy" or "Get busy" - every time you let the pup out to pee say it. Say it again in a really excited, happy voice as the pup actually pees, "Good boy, busy boy." When he has finished give a quick fuss, stand up and repeat, "Get busy."
Wait - start this on a weekend when you are not in a rush to get to work - until the dog actually does poo and then repeat the praise. When he has finished and is on his way back to you keep saying what a good boy he is to be busy and have a treat ready as he reaches you. Lots of fuss and high happy voice. He is only allowed in after BOTH functions have been completed.
On the first work day let him out ten minutes earlier than usual to make sure the pattern isn't upset - keep it up.
Remember it is unlikely that he will need to poo every time he pees - but as it is a consistent problem in the mornings it is fair to follow this plan for the first outing of the day.

[Bemol's mom]

Thanks for your answers... Anyone else having this trouble? Or had this trouble in the past?

Sabies... Yes, I crate train. Bemol stays in his crate during we're at work and had only two or three accidents in there in the first days. He's ok now. He'll never pee or poop in there. So he's not having accidents when we're not there. That's also what makes me wonder: why is he able to hold it like 4-5 hours when we're not there and asking for the dor every 1-2 hour when we're home on evenings and weekends???

Carrie... That's what I already do! Of course, I'm using french words, but it's all the same! But I don't have enough time to wait there until he's done with all his business. I've noticed that moving (running, walking, jumping, climbing stairs) stimulates him. We live in a 3rd floor appartment so we have lots of stairs to climb, so he usually is ready to poo when we're up! When I have time (and when the weather is not so cold), I just take a quick (10 minutes) walk with him (is it a good idea? does he see that walk as a reward?) and he usually does poo when we're walking. But I don't have enough time during lunch time. Next weekend, I promise I will try...

I'll call the vet to take an appointment to get him neutered as soon as I can. With our moving, I don't know if I'm gonna have the money as soon as I would like to but I'll do my best. I'm also gonna look for obedience classes. I had already thought about it but thought I'd wait this summer. I'm not sure I will! I'll give you some news.

Continue giving me your advices, I really appreciate!
Thanks a lot!

Valerie

By the way, is there a way to help Bemol bark at the door when he wants to go out? He's only scratching it at this point and sometimes, when we're not in the kitchen, we don't ear him.

[RachelJ]

I sense that Bemol might be picking up on your boyfriend's attitude toward him. My suggestion is for you to assume total responsibility for this dog. He just is going to respond better with you than your boyfriend at this point. Ask your boyfriend to lighten up a bit with Bemol. I have a Cocker and he is a very sensitive fellow.

Second your dog is really still a puppy in many ways and yes, they can go through these stages. Although I never had one urinated on the couch, I've had them urinate on the bed and on their own dog bed and yes, right in front of me and right after she was outside. It doesn't mean that it will continue or become a habit, but I think neutering is essential.

Sometimes it's better to try to adjust your schedule a bit suit the dogs habits. Take a little extra time in the morning to stay out long enough to get both things done. You are right that exercise will stimulate one or the other of the bodily functions. Or if you can, go out twice. At least you know how your dogs body is functioning for his needs. Be a little understanding. I always think we demand so much more of our dogs bodily functions than we would ever be able to handle ourselves. Be sure your puppy has some chance to play and exercise every day, preferably at the same time and outdoors.