My older dog is relieving himself on our deck rather than in the yard, how can we correct this behavior?

He never used to do this but now he only goes the bathroom in our deck. Is there a way to train him tongs back down the deck steps to releive himself?

Asked by trish
Report Question

2 Answers

Log in or sign up with email
Forgot Password
By submitting you agree to our Terms of Service
Dr Audrey Harvey BVSc (Hons)
Answered by Dr Audrey Harvey BVSc (Hons), Veterinarian
Trish, the first thing to evaluate is whether there are any physical causes of this behavior. You mention stairs down to the yard; perhaps his elderly joints are uncomfortable when walking up or down stairs. He may have arthritis and would benefit from treatment for that. Another option is that his vision is fading and he’s just feeling insecure because he can’t quite see where to place his feet safely. Perhaps too he has a condition that makes him need to go to the toilet more frequently so he has to urinate more frequently.

Make an appointment with your vet to have him examined, and if you can, take a sample of urine for analysis. From there, any physical problems can be managed and hopefully the problem will be resolved. Another possible issue may be canine cognitive dysfunction which can have similar characteristics to dementia. Again your vet will be able to offer advice. | 10.28.16 @ 01:30
Comment
Report Answer
Log in or sign up with email
Forgot Password
By submitting you agree to our Terms of Service
$commenter.renderDisplayableName() — {comment} | 04.22.18 @ 08:28
  • UPVOTE0
${esc.xml($displayName)}
Answered by trish
Great advice! Thank you so much. Will definitely follow up with our vet | 10.28.16 @ 14:17
Comment
Report Answer
Log in or sign up with email
Forgot Password
By submitting you agree to our Terms of Service
$commenter.renderDisplayableName() — {comment} | 04.22.18 @ 08:28
  • UPVOTE0
Log in or sign up with email
Forgot Password
By submitting you agree to our Terms of Service
Free LovePets Membership!

Get FREE, full access to LovePets.com

Answered by

Dr Audrey Harvey BVSc (Hons)
Dr Audrey Harvey BVSc (Hons), Veterinarian

Related Questions

Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by Sara
Q&A
Asked by Steffanie
Q&A
Asked by Zanna
Q&A
Asked by Dan
Q&A
Asked by Sara
Q&A
Asked by Zanna
Q&A
Asked by Alec
Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by Crystal
Q&A
Asked by angelsativa
Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by Christina
Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by Rodolfo Franco, Dog Trainer in Bergenfield, NJ
Q&A
Asked by Christina
Q&A
Asked by a user
Q&A
Asked by Irene
Q&A
Asked by Steffanie
Q&A
Asked by Carla
Q&A
Asked by Erin
Featured On LovePets
Pet Food Recall Alert (April 13, 2018): K9 Natural Ltd
Lily Poisoning In Cats 101
Q&A
Asked by kimsuwak
How Pet Insurance Rates Are Calculated
Q&A
Asked by Crystal