As Ernie is an older gentleman
it could be that just like older people incontinence could be an issue for the little guy. I don't have a little boy but I do know that there is something called a "belly band". This is a soft band that goes around a dogs waist and covers their penis. A sanitary napkin fits inside so that if he has an accident the napkin absorbs the urine. I would ask the vet if it could simply be a part of growing older and if so you may want to buy a couple for him