Urinating Issues /:

[skyeatskaitlin]

Hi!

I'm new to this site, and I was going to see if I could get some helpful tips. I for one just recently took in a yorkie. I found my little Odie in the yard, terrified, dirty, matted hair, and infested with fleas. He was scared to death of me, and my husband. We could tell that he had been abused, he has several man made scars on his tummy. So we've been trying out best for him to feel right at home with us.

I can say that we've had odie for a few months now, and he's apart of our little family. But recently he has been urinating in the floor when he gets scared. Example: odie knocked over a canned drink, and immediately urinated in the floor.

I was wondering if there were certain ways I should go about correcting this. He's pretty comfortable with us now, but I don't know of it's from his past or what. But it really upsets me seeing him that scared over a little accident.

I don't really know how old Odie is, I'm thinking he's about 2-4 if age has anything to deal with it.

& thanks in advance!

[gracielove]

It sounds like he does have some fear issues. If he was abused before you got him then he may have some learned behaviors that you have to deal with. The main thing you need to do is convince him you are worthy of his trust. Rewarding good behavior with a healthy treat and praise goes a long way to creating a sound friendship.

Peeing when scared can be a submissive sign or just plain fear. Have you had him to a vet? Is he neutered? You may want to have him checked for a possible UTI or other issues of the urinary tract to be on the safe side.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Could the scars be from surgery and the dog maybe have medical problems? I would first get a thorough vet work up with blood panel/heartworm/fecal and a full physical exam to be sure the dog isn't ill. Also dogs on the run can easily matt and become highly disheveled quickly so don't assume abuse right away. Be sure to have him scanned for a microchip and think hard about advertising for his original owner. After all, he could be the beloved pet of someone who accidentally got out, got scared and ran, was taken in or was stolen by someone else who abused him and the dog escaped there and is trying to get home to a beloved owner who is pining for him.

Once medical issues have been rules out, working to avoid his stressful greetings or encounters can help. Enter the room nonchalantly and don't make eye contact with him, just ignore him. Many dogs cannot pea when sitting or lying down so training your dog to do either or both of those can help so that if you are going to do something you sense might trigger peeing, just having him sit can help. I have tossed a ball or squeaky toy for a dog to run and get and play with before engaging in an activity with it that might cause peeing or anything else such as squeaking a toy for distraction.

Getting a dog busy working and achieving things can take the nerves out of a dog that has come into your home, settled in okay but is now having some behavioral issues related to fear or stress. A good obedience program 3 x daily for 5 minutes training with only positive reinforcement, challenging dog toys and games that you play interactively with him as well as 2 - 3 good walks a day should help give him a new assurance and self-confidence and help him come to see you as a team member. Getting a dog busy learning and actively enjoying life can truly distract them and bring them out of fears and anxieties that once riddled their lives. Don't pander to his fears or anxieties - just get him moving and busy and absorbed as much as possible in other things, which can really help an insecure, unsure dog. There is nothing like a good program of training and activity to to help all kinds of issues with dogs - it can virtually transform them.

[Bellabean]

Poor little Odie, how fortunate you found him. I agree that he needs lots of praise and reinforcement of positive behavior. I think with lots of continued love he will come around.