peeing on concrete

I have a 5 month old male mixed puppy and has been doing good at potting until the last month is peeing on the front porch or sidewalk (and pooping on sidewalk) next to the grass.

I also have a 6 year old male mixed breed that goes only on the grass. So my little one has a mentor that he does not follow. I've cleaned concrete with ammonia to get rid of the smell. Which the puppy does not smell the concrete, he just starts going. He was smelling around in the grass before.

I've been walking out with him to only almost get pee on. Any tips or information would be greatly appreciated.

Darlene





Hi Darlene
It could be that your puppy has a urinary tract infection, which is causing him the 'urgent need' to urinate. If he has to walk across the porch and sidewalk to get to the grass, maybe he simply can't 'hold it' long enough. Your vet could check for this and treat if necessary.

It's also possible that your puppy just prefers the concrete. If this is the case, you'll need to be creative and consistent to encourage him to pee and poop on grass. Obviously he will need to be on the leash whenever you take him outside, that way you can correct him with a tug on the leash and a firm "NO" whenever he tries to eliminate before reaching the grass.

If he's not a large-breed dog, could you carry him to the grass? This would take away the opportunity for him to use the concrete. Or if you have a yard, fence off an area that is designated as his 'potty area' and always take him there to do his business.

If he starts to eliminate anywhere he shouldn't, correct him with your voice and a tug on the leash, scoop him up and put him down where he IS allowed to do his business. When he does it in the correct area, praise him and give him a treat if you want to. This reinforces the correct behavior in his mind. Puppies are creatures of habit, and learn through association so you will need to be patient and allow time for him to understand the correct behaviors/associations.

Best of luck.