[golfwidow14]

Originally Posted by Hamoth

4 months sounds pretty young, but this sounds like classic dominance issues. I think that's probably marking behavior with the couch. Yelling and telling him "No." Is not the best way to deal with poor potty habbits from a dog. You are adding anxiety to the issue of potty training which will undo all that you have built. It's probably getting worse and worse judging by your description of the dog's behavior, and it's a clear result of your reprimand. The barking and growling are a brazen display of the pups frustration. Make it more clear and provide potty guidance for you pup.

When your dog goes somewhere they are not supposed to, you need to simply keep a poker face and clean it up. Be sure you get every molecule of scent removed or you are at risk that the pup will smell his mark and go there again. I use a veterinary grade odor remover, recomended by my vet. Then watch for next time you see it coming on and take them to the pad to go. Add a command when they go "Good potty!" , and treat them when they are finished. When you see him go to hte pad on his own, JACKPOT! Give a huge reward, like a whole pile of treats, or a walk or something really nice. Ignore any attention getting attempts with bad potty habits and don't take it out on the dog. There are signs that a dog needs to go, and you will see them.

Have you guys been in a puppy obedience class yet? I'd recomend that right away to get a handle on any dominance issues. Your pups a bit young for this behavior to be of any significant concern, but left unchecked over the next months and you will have a seriously annoying dog.

So you don't think one should tell the dog no or bad or something like that when he is caught in the act of going where he's not supposed to????