Smart puppy makes bathroom errors – juvenile delinquent?

Question:

My 4 month old blue heeler puppy is crate-trained perfectly. He always pees and poops when he’s outside. Then he comes inside and pees on the floor every 20 or 30 minutes. He eats fine and doesn’t drink excessively, but it’s as if he’s doing it on purpose. He’s completed obedience class with flying colors. I lived in NM for years and am now in Louisiana but I remember your on-point answers.

Dr. Nichol:

Aw shucks. Your adolescent heeler’s brain is the most complex organ in his body. He’s very good at learning obedience skills but there are different neural pathways upstairs that are involved with behavior problems. The real cause of all this mayhem may actually reside in a different organ system.

This little guy’s need to urinate every 20-30 minutes suggests a bladder problem. Some male puppies have a sticky yellow discharge, teaming with bacteria, accumulating on the hair of their penis. An ensuing infection of the urethra and bladder would cause a burning sensation, making the kid feel like he has to go often. Adding insult to injury, bladder stones can form quickly, worsening the irritation. No amount of training would heal a bladder that feels like it’s on fire.

Take that youngster to the doctor for a blood panel, urinalysis, and x-rays or ultrasound of his abdomen. Antibiotics and a special diet may be all that’s needed to put this right. Only after internal health is established should lapses in bathroom etiquette be addressed.

Never punish or scold your puppy even if he appears guilty; he isn’t breaking the rules on purpose. Most offenders are just confused about where the bathroom is. Tether that juvenile to your belt and lead him outside every 2 hours for the chance to earn the innate canine reinforcer of a brief jaunt off-territory. Crate your A student with food-dispensing toys when you’re asleep or away from home. There’s a lot more to this research-based protocol. Visit my website, drjeffnichol.com. Click Pet Behavior Topics and then One Day Housetraining. Reinforce often; punish never.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.