Why is my dog peeing on my couch?

It can be frustrating for you if your dog pees on your couch in front of others. Although it may appear that your dog is doing this intentionally, this is not always true. There are many reasons why is my dog peeing on my couch, some of which can be due to medical conditions. This article will explain why your dog pees on the couch and how you can fix it.

Why do dogs urinate on the Couch?

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Disease

You could have a medical condition in your dog such as bladder stones, urinary tract infection or diabetes.  Also, you should monitor your dog’s behavior if they are house trained and urinating on the couch. You should be alert for signs of a health problem such as excessive thirst.

Territorial Marking

As a way to assert their dominance, a dominant dog might urinate on your couch. They are marking their territory by urinating on your couch. This is a sign that they feel threatened. Although many people believe that spaying/neutering your dog will end territorial marking behavior, it is not always true. Make sure they receive plenty of training, and use an enzyme cleaner to remove any scent. A behaviourist can assess your dog and create a treatment plan.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs are social creatures and need to be surrounded by their owners. Dogs can become anxious if they are left alone for long periods of time. Your dog may urinate on the couch right in front of your face if this happens. Because he/she wants to be with their owner and show respect (submissive behavior), he/she will do this.

Incontinence

Incontinence can develop as your dog gets older. Urinary Incontinence is when your dog loses the ability to control its urine and will urinate unassisted. Incontinence is usually caused by your dog being relaxed, most often during sleep. Your veterinarian can diagnose incontinence in dogs. There are many causes of incontinence and the treatment will vary depending on which one you have.

Submissive behavior

Submissive dogs may urinate on the couch or over your dog when you enter the room. Dogs that are submissive can be trained not to urinate indoors. However, dogs who have had traumatic experiences might not be able train them to do so. These dogs shouldn’t be allowed to use furniture. Separation anxiety dogs may vomit on the sofa if they feel stressed from you leaving the house. Behaviorist intervention is a sensible option.

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Other Dogs

An established dog may regress when they are introduced to a new dog. You may also find your dog urinating on your couch out of jealousy or a desire to be the only one. Dogs who are used to being the only dogs may be more jealous and start to urinate on your couch.

How can you solve the problem of your dog urinating on the couch?

Use Puppy Pads

These pads are very effective in keeping your furniture clean from dog urine. They not only absorb the urine, but also help to deodorize your home. There are many sizes available so you can find the right one for your dog. You can also use pads made for humans if you have a large dog.

Teach your dog to not pee on your furniture

When training your dog to not pee on furniture, it is important to take them outside to go to the bathroom often.

Your dog will not feel the urge to pee on furniture if they have an empty bladder. Positive reinforcement such as high-excited praises and treats should be used to reward your dog when they go outside to use the potty.

This helps them to understand that they should pee outside and not on furniture.

You can also revoke your dog’s furniture privileges temporarily. Let’s say your dog jumps up on the couch to pee. This can be prevented by temporarily denying your dog access to the area where the couch is.

You can also put baby gates or other obstacles in front of the couch to prevent your dog jumping on them.

A well-designed playpen is a great way to manage the space that your dog has access to.

Some dogs will lift their legs and aim for the legs of the couch. This can make it more difficult to stop. Baby gates are a great way to keep your dog from getting into the couch.

Please read: Why is my puppy peeing every 5 minutes?

Enhance the bonding with your dog

Spend some time with your dog if your pet has peed on the couch. Take your dog for a walk, or just talk to him/her while you’re at home. To strengthen your bond with your dog, you can schedule additional play sessions.

Spaying and Neutering

Hormones are a major reason dogs pee on furniture. A dog that is uncastrated, and especially an intact male, will instinctively mark his territory with his urine.

Dogs communicate this way with each other. When your dog lifts his legs and pees on a couch, it is communicating with other dogs.

Even if there aren’t any other dogs, this can happen. Your dog can smell the scents of other dogs if you move into a home with other dogs.

Your dog may feel the need to assert its territory and claim the control of the new person if you bring home an infant or adult.

This behavior is most common in male dogs that have never been castrated, however female dogs who have not yet been spayed may also mark their territory with urine.

This behavior can be stopped by having your male dog neutered. If the behavior is persistent for a long time, it may be a pattern. Neutering your dog if your dog is prone to peeing on or inside your furniture may not be an option.

Use vinegar

Acetic acid is a repellent for dogs because they don’t like it. Spray some white vinegar and water on carpets that your dog has peed on.

Talk to a Dog Behaviorist

You will need to train your dog to stop urinating on the couch in order to get your attention. Because dogs are creatures of habit, it can be difficult to change their habits. To change an annoying behavior, a professional trainer or behaviorist may be necessary.

Conclusion

You may be frustrated when your dog urinates on your couch. You can easily damage your furniture if your dog urinates on it. Your dog may not be house-trained and urinate on your couch if they don’t know better. If your dog has a good house manner but suddenly starts urinating on your couch even though they are fully house-trained, it is worth taking a look at their environment to determine if there is a medical condition or other factors that may be triggering the behavior.