How to Keep Dogs From Urinating on Patio Furniture

Spaying or neutering your dog may help.

A problem that pet owners sometimes have is their dog urinating on inappropriate things outside. Although your dog may be housebroken, he may urinate on your patio furniture. This type of urination is called "marking" and is often done to establish territory.



Dogs that mark do so out of habit and do not recognize patio furniture as being something off-limits. To stop your dog from marking the patio furniture, you will need to remove the scent cues and teach your dog to avoid the furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Veterinarian
• Enzymatic cleaner
• Dog gate
• Dog repellent

Instructions

1. Spay or neuter your dog. Often leg lifting will be decreased with neutering.

2. Clean all patio furniture with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any urine smell.

3. Cordon off patio furniture with a dog gate, if possible.

4. Use a dog repellent on and near the furniture.

5. Supervise your dog when he goes outside to urinate. Take your dog to the appropriate areas to eliminate and praise him when he does.

6. Keep your dog away from the patio furniture. After several months, he will forget that he's urinated there and will choose to urinate in a more appropriate place.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not scold or spank your dog for inappropriate elimination. Instead, watch him and stop him from urinating on the patio furniture.

References

• "Bring Me Home: Dogs Make Great Pets"; Margaret H. Bonham; 2005
• PAW: Dog Tip -- Marking -- Understanding It, Stopping It