Adopted Staffie toilets on beds - 2009-07-20

Question

Six months ago, my dad and I adopted a Staffy from the rspca. She is around 12 months to 18 months. She is quite obedient, comes when she’s called, can be let off the lead at the park, etc. She rarely pees on the floor inside, but she has a habit of every 1-2 months of peeing either on my dad’s bed or my brothers. It’s not leaking because it’s a large patch, like she has squatted and pissed. We have tried ignoring the behaviour, punishing the behaviour, rubbing her nose and now we are trying house arrest when she is inside. Could you explain the behaviour and other methods of trying to fix the problem? (We have also tried to think of actions we may have done to her but she is quite well behaved so doesn’t get yelled at often. The most recant event on my bros bed, she was with us watching TV then she disappeared and when we moved came out of the bedroom looking guilty.) Thanks Sam

Answer

This young lady is showing her leadership aspirations by marking the beds of the males. She has some dominance issues that make her mark the beds. I would lock all doors to the bedrooms so no access and/or accidents are possible. Height in this case is really important, so she needs to be on the ground, rather than on sofa’s etc. You need to show this dog leadership, which does not mean being harsh or hard – have boundaries for her. Don’t respond when she wants things, make her work for a pat, and be consistent. If persists, some inhome dog training will the required. Please see www.k9coach.com.au