help w/beagle

jmilton3

I have a 1 year old neutered beagle.  He has been a lot of work but we are getting there.  My biggest issue now is he goes to the bathroom on our bed and my 3 girls beds I have to keep a gate at the bottom of the stairs but if someone leaves it open he runs right up there and leaves us a surprise.  I don't want a gate at the bottom of my stairs for 20 years and I can't keep all the doors closed all the time.  Any suggestions, he doesn't go any where else in the house.  I have washed the mattresses with special cleaner and put protective covers on them.

Caz1221

What is his housebreaking history?  specifically, when did you get him (at what age)?  Was he already housebroken?  If not, how did you housetrain him?  At what age was he fully housebroken?  Was there a time during which he was fully housebroken and not pottying on the beds?  When did the bed thing start happening?

Sorry for all the questions, but I think they will help me provide more specific suggestions.

Also, are you cleaning the accidents with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle? If not, the scent could still be on the beds, prompting your dog to pee there again. Is it possible to keep the bedroom doors shut so he doesn't have access to them?

kellbell1919

I would try the tethering method...take him in the bedroom on leash with you and when he tries to go tell him no and take him straight outside.  When did this start? Have you consulted with a vet or a trainer?  We reward and praise highly for going outside so our dogs strongly prefer to hold it because they get nothing for going inside ( I have beagle mixes).  Our male had some anxiety issues which we dealt with using a behaviorist and a dap collar if you think anxiety might be an issue

jmilton3

we got him as a puppy about 4months  we knew someone who had gotten him and no longer wanted him.  He was not housebroken and getting him there has been very difficult.  We use a crate and when we are not home and at night or if I can't keep an eye on him he goes in there.  Now the only accidents he has are really my fault, like I know he needs to go out and I get side tracked.  I have always had this issue with him from the time we first got him, I have cleaned the mattresses with natures miracle and one of the beds we just got and he peed on it.  He does seem to have a lot of anxiety, like if we are outside we have to put him in the crate or he will pee in the house.  He has been to the vet no issues there so I know it isn't a medical issue.  But I want a dog that can go throughout the house and I don't have to worry about it.  My kids are little and trying to get them to remember to shut doors and gates ALL of the time is next to impossible.

Caz1221

Some dogs do need to be crated throughout their lives, and it's possible your pup is one of them.  However, I would try going back to square one on housebreaking (since it sounds like he has never been 100% housebroken if he has always been peeing on the beds), including tethering him to you or crating when you can't watch him.  It's really important to be consistent, so you may need to figure out how you can be sure to take him out on a regular schedule (at least until he is 100% housebroken).  Set a timer/alarm if you have to because the more accidents he has in the house, the harder it might be to completely housebreak him.  My guys don't need an exact schedule any more, as long as they go out every 6-8 hours, they are fine, and they will hold it longer than that if they have to (though that's incredibly rare). 

I would also evaluate the amount of exercise and mental stimulation he is getting - if he is bored, that could be contributing to his accidents.  Tired pups are generally good pups and aren't looking to get into trouble.  With a beagle, I would look into scent work in addition to walks, games, training, tricks, etc.  A lot of these activities can incorporate your kids (hide-and-seek, fetch, etc.), which will help them bond with the dog.

As you mentioned, anxiety could also be a factor.  Anxiety can be reduced with the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation, but you might want to consider a DAP diffuser, Rescue Remedy, or some other natural, calming supplement.

kellbell1919

jmilton3:

we got him as a puppy about 4months  we knew someone who had gotten him and no longer wanted him.  He was not housebroken and getting him there has been very difficult.  We use a crate and when we are not home and at night or if I can't keep an eye on him he goes in there.  Now the only accidents he has are really my fault, like I know he needs to go out and I get side tracked.  I have always had this issue with him from the time we first got him, I have cleaned the mattresses with natures miracle and one of the beds we just got and he peed on it.  He does seem to have a lot of anxiety, like if we are outside we have to put him in the crate or he will pee in the house.  He has been to the vet no issues there so I know it isn't a medical issue.  But I want a dog that can go throughout the house and I don't have to worry about it.  My kids are little and trying to get them to remember to shut doors and gates ALL of the time is next to impossible.

This is the thing: if you can tell he has to go, you need to let him out.  You might try bell training him if you need a better reminder.  One of our beagles barks to go out, but the other will absolutely go in the house if you don't let him out every few hours.  So we let him out every few hours.