There are a few things I'd try:
Firstly, do not allow him up on the couch as/when he pleases. Either ban him from the couch altogether or make him understand that he can only come up when invited. You need to make him understand that the couch is your space - not his.
Also, he has way too much freedom if he's not consistently going to the pads. I would do what someone else has suggested and put him in a x-pen when you're not home. I tried leaving my dog out at 8 months and it was an epic fail! He didn't know how to manage the house on his own and panicked as a result. Therefore, when we leave now, he is put in his crate.
With regards to marking, Teddy did this at about 8 months, too. I caught him doing it three times. Each time, I clapped at the same time as saying, "NO" and took him to his pad. He has never marked in my house since.
Now, to clarify, marking is different from peeing. They can mark all day. The reason for putting him on his pad was to let him know that it's the only acceptable place to lift his leg. I have found that walking him and letting him mark outside to his hearts content makes things better. He is not neutered, btw.
You have to be very diligent and not take for granted that they are trained especially before one year old. I think you are disappointed in his behavior because you're expectations are in error. You and your husband need to be viewing him as a puppy meaning that he still needs supervision and correction.
It will get better but you have to put the work in!! |