What Can I Spray to Keep My Dog from Peeing in The House?

Keeping a dog as a pet also means taking care of his regular mess and accidents. While most pet parents get their canines trained for housebreaking, there are times when your pet urinates inside the house, even when taken outside regularly. This kind of behavior often confuses pet parents, and they find it challenging to deal with such a pet.

Canines exhibit this behavior due to multiple reasons, including health reasons and behavioral problems like anxiety or aggression. While it is possible to deal with the smell and stains, it is often ideal for preventing your pooch from peeing in your house in the first place. It is not difficult and does not involve any kind of punishment. By using simple items like repellants, treats, and positive reinforcement, you can train your pet not to pee in the house.

However, in order for this method to work, you need to know the exact reason behind the behavior, and you also need to demonstrate patience. In this guide, we will share the steps involved in removing the scent and preventing your canine from peeing in the house.

Reasons Why Your Dog is Urinating in The House?

Finding the reason behind this behavioral pet problem is the first step towards solving the problem, and in this case, preventing the problem. As mentioned previously, you can easily train dogs for housebreaking. However, sometimes your pet may pee in the house, and the reasons can vary.

If your pet does so confidently and only in certain places, the chances are that he is marking his territory as dogs urinate on areas, they consider theirs. Now, if that place is your favorite carpet or the new sofa, things can get tricky.

Therefore, to solve the problem, we first begin with identifying the particular trigger. The most common reasons for this type of behavior include the following:

• Anxiety: This is most common in young pets and canines that are unable to socialize well. However, you might be surprised to know that such dogs do not urinate out of spite. Instead, it is a submissive behavior when your pooch is fearful or anxious. A very simple way of finding out whether your pet exhibits this behavior is by noticing his body language. If your pet is averting his eyes and looks guilty, it is probably a case of anxiety.

• Health Problems and Infections: When your pet is unwell and is suddenly urinating everywhere, the chances are that it is a health-related problem. One of the most common reasons is a urinary tract infection. The best way to confirm it is by taking your pet to the vet for a complete check-up. In most cases, the vet will ask for a urine sample for tests, and if the result is a positive one, then the solution is an antibacterial medication course.

• Territorial Aggression: Last but not least, your canine may be exhibiting territorial aggression. If you have recently adopted a new pet or there is a new addition to the family, the chances are that your dog feels insecure about his spot and is marking it. In the case of multiple pets, your canine may be trying to prove his dominance. In such cases, your pet needs to be re-trained. However, you need to do so in a calm manner. If the behavior persists, consider taking the help of a professional trainer.

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What Should You Spray to Keep Your Dog from Peeing in The House?

Training and behavioral correction require time and effort. With the help of special sprays, you can speed up the training. There are two types of sprays used to potty train dogs; attractants and repellants. Either variety of these sprays can be bought for a reasonable price. However, when choosing the right spray, opt for one with a mild scent and natural ingredients and oils. Ideally, it is recommended to go for one that is free from allergens.

After selecting the spray, depending on the type, choose from the methods below.

Method 1: Using Repellents to Prevent Your Dog from Peeing

For this method, you will first need to identify the places where your dog is likely to pee and the places you definitely want to save. Then, spray the repellent nicely and thoroughly. Depending on the spray type, if you have an automatic spray, then the setup becomes even easier.

The built-in sensors allow the device to sense if the canine is coming closer, and it sprays in the direction it is set in. If it is not an automatic one, then you will have to do the spraying yourself, but the effect is the same nevertheless.

The working method of these sprays is using the scent, which is usually sour. As canines have a stronger sense of smell as compared to humans, they get repelled by the smell and choose a different spot for their business.

While this method can protect places that are difficult to clean, it is recommended to retrain your pet using positive reinforcement and encouragement. Take him out for regular walks and praise him when he is doing his business outside the house or at his designated place.

Make sure your pet does not lick or taste the spray as it can contain harmful chemicals.

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Method 2: Using Attractants to Attract Your Canine at a Certain Place For Housebreaking

Dogs are attracted to the scent of their urine, which is why pet parents often find their canine going to the same place for peeing again and again. Preventing this behavior requires cleaning; however, you can also use this method to get your dog to a certain place.

Consider spraying the attractant where you want your pet to go for his business and let your pooch sniff the area. These sprays are highly effective as they closely mimic the scent of dog pee. While it does not make the spray ideal for indoor use, you can also find ones with quickly dissipating smells.

Since attractant sprays are used for training, consider spraying in the same place again and again, so your pet is able to create a habit. After the training, your pooch will go to the same place without the need for spraying.

Method 3: DIY methods. Create Your Own Dog Repellent.

Last but not least, you can make a repellent and a scent remover at home with ease. It is a commonly known fact that canines dislike citrus scents. Therefore anything that smells sour and acidic, like lemons, vinegar, or lime juice, will repel the dog from that place.

You can use vinegar or acetic acid, to be precise, to combat foul odors and to stop your canine from peeing inside the house. Dogs pee in places that have a higher level of absorbency, including but not limited to the carpet, sofa, or a pile of laundry clothes. Therefore, these should be the target areas.

To create a DIY repellent, you will need water and stronger vinegar. Food-grade vinegar can also be used. However, it is a very diluted acid which is why you will need it in much more quantity. Instead, consider using a stronger vinegar formula.

One of the recipes for homemade dog repellent is to mix two tablespoons of vinegar (distilled) in a cup of cold water. Then for more effectiveness, add 15 to 20 drops of any available citrus essential oil, and your 2 in 1 DIY odor remover and repellent is ready.

Once you have made it, simply repeat the steps involved in using a repellent spray.

Basic Precautions

• Dogs have sensitive noses; therefore, using a very strong scent is not recommended.
• When using a repellent or an attractant spray, make sure it does not linger on the surface for too long. If your dog licks it, it can be harmful.
• If you or a family member is sensitive to strong scents, then consider using the spray outside the house in case of attractants, or buy a milder scent.
• When using an attractant, spray on one place, so your pet does not get confused.
• Concentrated sprays should be used in small amounts.
• Many dog repellent sprays are only meant for dogs and should not be used on cats and other pets.
• Peeing is often a submissive or scared behavior from a dog. Therefore, you should never scold or punish your pet. It will strain your relationship and give the wrong message.
• When training pets, make sure to give timely rewards, so your pet understands the behavior you want.

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Conclusion

As pet parents, we love our dogs, but sometimes it gets difficult to clean their mess if they start peeing inside the house. While most dogs can be trained for housebreaking, a dog may exhibit the behavior for multiple reasons including health problems, infections, anxiety, or aggression. To solve this problem, you first need to identify the cause. If your canine does not have any health issues then you can proceed to use training sprays.

Using a repellent or a training spray can help you correct or altogether prevent the behavior. What you need are the spray and precise locations that you want to save. Spray on those particular areas and then set up another spot for your pooch. Treats, rewards and praise are a great way of reinforcing the training. You can also use homemade repellents as they work just as well.