Why Does My Dog Pee Upstairs? (+How to Stop, Clean, Deter!)
Got a pup that’s taken to sneaking off and peeing upstairs, leaving you to wonder “why does my dog pee upstairs?” Are you now trying to learn a quick and effective way to stop your dog peeing upstairs? You’ve come to the right place because today we’re going to teach you all you need to know about this obnoxious issue.
In this article, we’ll uncover the reasons behind this selective behavior and give you practical solutions to put an end to it. We’ll also guide you on cleaning methods for dog urine and how to prevent your dog from accessing and choosing the upstairs as their restroom. Keep reading to tackle and resolve your dog’s upstairs peeing habit!
Why Does My Dog Pee Upstairs?
Your dog pees upstairs due to several possible factors such as a preference for a certain spot, lack of proper house training, or a medical issue. Dogs often choose locations based on scent or comfort, and the upstairs area might have become a preferred spot.
Additionally, if house training isn’t fully reinforced, your dog might not understand that upstairs is off-limits for peeing. Medical issues, such as a urinary tract infection, can also lead to inappropriate urination.
Dog Peeing Upstairs: What Scents Deter?
To deter a dog peeing upstairs, using scents that dogs find unappealing can be effective. Citrus, vinegar, and ammonia are commonly used deterrents. Applying these scents to areas where your dog has urinated can discourage them from using the same spot again.
However, it’s important to combine scent deterrents with proper training and supervision for a lasting solution.
How to Clean Dog Urine From Carpet
To clean dog urine from the carpet, first blot up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels. Then, use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down and neutralize the urine. Apply the cleaner generously to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it dry.
Enzyme cleaners are effective at removing the scent, which is essential to prevent your dog from being attracted back to the same spot.
How to Stop Dog Peeing Upstairs
To stop your dog from peeing upstairs, consistent training and supervision are key. Here are some steps to follow:
- Restrict access to the upstairs area using gates or by closing doors, especially when you can’t supervise your dog.
- Establish a regular bathroom routine, taking your dog outside frequently, particularly after meals, playtime, and naps.
- Reward your dog for urinating outside with treats and praise, reinforcing the correct behavior.
- If the problem persists despite training, consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential medical issues.
Your dog peeing upstairs requires understanding the root of the behavior, whether it’s due to training, preference, or health issues. With consistent training, use of deterrents, and thorough cleaning of any accidents, you can help guide your dog to appropriate bathroom habits.
It’s important to remember, however, that any underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, marking, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.
“Well, how do I make these changes last?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog peeing upstairs and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about why your dog pees upstairs ever again!
Dog Pees Upstairs but Not Downstairs
If your dog pees upstairs but not downstairs, this selective behavior might be influenced by various factors, including the dog’s comfort level, previous experiences in these areas, or even medical issues. Understanding why your dog prefers one area over the other for urination is key to resolving this issue and establishing consistent bathroom habits.
Dog Peeing Upstairs: Prevent Access
One effective strategy to stop your dog from peeing upstairs is to prevent access to that area. Using baby gates or closing doors can help restrict your dog’s movement to the downstairs area only. This not only prevents accidents upstairs but also helps reinforce where it’s appropriate for your dog to urinate.
Consistently guiding your dog to an acceptable outdoor area for bathroom breaks is important. Learn more about how to do this by going back to the first section.
Dog Urinating Upstairs All of a Sudden
If your dog starts urinating upstairs all of a sudden, it could be due to changes in their environment, routine, or health. Stress, anxiety, moving, or disruptions in their normal routine can lead to this behavior.
Additionally, it’s important to rule out any possible health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, that might be causing an increased urgency to urinate.
Dog Urinates Upstairs: Medical or Marking?
Determining whether your dog’s habit of urinating upstairs is a medical issue or territorial marking is important. Medical issues may present with other symptoms like frequent urination, discomfort, or changes in urine color.
Marking, on the other hand, is often more about behavior and may involve urinating in multiple spots in a deliberate manner (doorstep, the couch, etc.). Contacting your veterinarian can help rule out medical concerns.
In conclusion, a dog peeing upstairs but not downstairs requires a multifaceted approach, including preventing access, understanding potential stressors or changes in the environment, and ruling out medical issues.
With consistent training, supervision, and possibly professional advice, you can help your dog develop appropriate bathroom habits and maintain a clean, orderly home.
I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about your dog urinating upstairs answered, so I’ll let you get going on things. Good luck, and thanks for checking out our article “Why Does My Dog Pee Upstairs? (+How to Stop, Clean, Deter!)”.