
Behavioral Urination Problem
I have a black lab. He's about ten years. Although, I've only had him for about two years. He has always had a problem with urinating in the house when there is a thunderstorm. However, recently he has begun to urinate in the house on other occasions. For instance, he knows that he is not allowed on our sofa. However, the other day he jumped on the sofa and urinated on it (when he was not in our presence). I believe he did it out of anger because my wife didn't take him for a morning run. (I had already run him about an hour earlier) We keep him caged during a work day to control the thunderstorm problem. However, he has free run of the house at other times. I would appreciate any advice you have on how we can control his urination problems. The only solution I can come up with is to put him in his cage whenever we are not there. It is particularly stressful for me since I never wanted a dog (it came with the wife) and my house is very important to me.
Nervous urination is a behavioral problem, best approached through training and obedience. Understanding he urinates when frightened, you may try to condition him to loud noises. You can also designate a location, accessible at all times, at which OK to urinate. You will need to train him to use this area. If he does become frightened, he may be able to make it to the safe spot. Incontinence is a physical problem, more common in puppies and older dogs. Special medications, such as phenylpropanolamine, can be given orally to increase bladder sphincter control. If he tends to leak urine during the day, you may give him a pill or two before you leave for work in the morning. Your veterinarian can help you find the best medication and dosage for your dog.
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Behavioral Urination Problem

I have a black lab. He's about ten years. Although, I've only had him for about two years. He has always had a problem with urinating in the house when there is a thunderstorm. However, recently he has begun to urinate in the house on other occasions. For instance, he knows that he is not allowed on our sofa. However, the other day he jumped on the sofa and urinated on it (when he was not in our presence). I believe he did it out of anger because my wife didn't take him for a morning run. (I had already run him about an hour earlier) We keep him caged during a work day to control the thunderstorm problem. However, he has free run of the house at other times. I would appreciate any advice you have on how we can control his urination problems. The only solution I can come up with is to put him in his cage whenever we are not there. It is particularly stressful for me since I never wanted a dog (it came with the wife) and my house is very important to me.

Nervous urination is a behavioral problem, best approached through training and obedience. Understanding he urinates when frightened, you may try to condition him to loud noises. You can also designate a location, accessible at all times, at which OK to urinate. You will need to train him to use this area. If he does become frightened, he may be able to make it to the safe spot. Incontinence is a physical problem, more common in puppies and older dogs. Special medications, such as phenylpropanolamine, can be given orally to increase bladder sphincter control. If he tends to leak urine during the day, you may give him a pill or two before you leave for work in the morning. Your veterinarian can help you find the best medication and dosage for your dog.

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