Until they learn where it is appropriate to toilet, puppies will soil anywhere away from where they sleep. Taking her out after every nap, feed, play and any intense sniffing should see sucessful housetraining. However if house soiling contines or happens in inappropriate places such as friends houses or public places it can be a very frustrating problem behaviour.

Is It Definitely a Problem Behaviour?

No. If the behaviour has started suddenly or she has been drinking much more recently and therefore needs to pee more, there could be a medical reason why. It which case, a vet should rule out any medical condition first.

So What Is Causing The Behaviour?

If correct training has been given, it has been consistent and there are no medical reasons, it will be a behavioural problem.

Sent marking is the most common reason for inappropriate soiling. Dogs who are not given boundaries and limitations often feel that there is no leader to keep the pack safe. These dogs are quite often anxious and feel that they need to ‘own’ everything and so will sent mark in order to claim the territory/item/person etc. If this is the case, you should first take a look at how much exercise does she actually get? does it have enough variety or is it just a walk around the same block every day? how much mental stimulation does she get? Even 10 minutes 3-4 times a week can make a huge differance to her if she is exhibiting anxious behaviours. You also should look at her status in the house. Does she have any rules? quite often if our dog is not destructive in the home we don’t have any need for rules but this is often where the problem can start. If she doesn’t have any rules, make some up. If she jumps in the sofa for example, ask her to get down, make her sit and wait for a few seconds and then invite her back up. This way she will think it is your decision and not hers.