Gizmo will be turning 1 yr old on the 24th of this month and is neutered. He has been potty trained since he was 9 wks old. He trained in 3 days due to a strict potty schedule we started the day he came home with us.
Over the past 3 weeks, Gizmo has been getting overly excited when anyone walks in the door, and pees all over the floor. When we let him know what he has done is naughty, and not even in a harsh way, he crawls to another location, hunkers in the corner and pees again. This goes on 3 or 4 times before we finally have to put him outside, where he stands at the glass door with the saddest eyes you've ever seen.
This behavior is an attempt to tell you something. Has he been left alone with anyone (a teen, a groomer, a new "dog walker")? He is acting like an abused animal. Could anyone have abused him in some way? (Even if the abuse was just a bath or vigerous play that stressed him). He seems fearful of people coming into the house. Who has come over recently that may have stressed him in some way? Or...
What has changed for him recently? Diet, sleep habits? New meds? This little feller is trying to let you know that something is really really wrong. You have to try to let him tell you more. Is he now afraid of something particular (women/men/kids/colors/smells?) that was OK before?
In the short term (for the sake of the carpet), you can gently lift him outside to greet the houseguest. After he wees and greets, give him positive reinforcement and a treat and reassure him.
It's tough, I know, but something is going on that needs your immediate attention. This is not a random act.
No, nothing new and changed. and NO he has not been abused in any way. Hes completely spoiled and loved as a member of the family. Personally, I think maybe a submissive gesture. I just didnt know if anyone else had been having this wee problem with their bostons too. Its almost as though he thinks hes in trouble for something hes not. I keep my voice high and positive, and reassure him with petting him. He just rolls on his back and wees some more. I dont understand why he feels he needs to be more submissive sometimes rather than others, but maybe he just tends to have a submissive personality.
any other thoughts on the matter?
I appreciate your concern.
not abused at all! you are totally right that it is a submissive jesture! the only remidy is ignoring. don't react. don't look at him,don't talk to him and every time you scold him the behavior will get worse! he is in puberty and ithis can cause behavior changes. these are passing problems unless you ignore him. if you get visitors throw some treats on the floor while ignoring him. this will teach him that it's fun when someone comes at the door!
petting him you automaticly bow over him which is a dominant gesture. als the petting itsself is dominant. just ignor him and everything will turn out great!
it's such a shame that people jump to conclusions that a dog is abused. you love your dog that shows in your concern and your question!
THANK YOU for your advice! That is what we were told, but wanted to get a second opinion from people who have owned several Bostons and are very aware of their behavior from first hand experience.
Since I wrote this, the behavior has become less of an issue, but every once in a while the little guy still has some bladder control problems.
thanks to your wonderful advice, when we had a little occurrence, i discovered that if i get on my knees and am able to be more on his level, he stops! yeay! that deserves a dancing pickle!
I have to ask...how did you house train him in 3 days? We pick up our Dexter in two weeks and I'm home all day so I will be spending a lot of time with him working on house training. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Tinkles stained the carpet.. again
I Hate to ask, but...
just keep loving him and ignoring the behavior and it may take some time but it'll turn out just fine!
that deserves a dancing pickle!
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