This post, however, hopes and attempts to go... beyond the basics!
First, are you still having difficulties despite having followed all the advice in all our January blog posts?
Second, have you contacted your vet and had any physical problems ruled out of the equation?
Third, have you bought any of our recommended books or courses? Of particular relevance, I think, are the 'Secrets to Dog Training' course, and the Jan Fennell and Victoria Stilwell books from our Dog Books links.
[You'll find links at the bottom of many of our posts and for convenience they are also in our right-hand margin.]
Now for some 'beyond the basics' thoughts!
OK, so we have ruled out any physical problem, you've followed all the advice in the January blog posts and also followed the advice in the book or course you decided to study?
Yes?
Are you certain, 110%, that IT IS YOU WHO IS THE LEADER OF YOUR PACK... that you are 'top dog' in your house?
[If that is the case your dog should never feel the need to 'scent mark' or do any of the other alpha dog behaviours... like eating first, entering and exiting the house or room first, and deciding upon the direction to take when going out.]
So, where do we go from here?
Mental problems seem to be the only answer left.
Is there something which could be making your pet frightened or unhappy?
Are you wound up about the situation? Your pet will sense your feelings, and get even more up-tight him or herself... and a vicious circle will occur. Your pet will always want to do everything he or she can, to make you pleased and happy with him/her.
I would advise starting again from scratch with your training, in a totally relaxed fashion. Just study the steps which work for most potty training situations... use all the praise and treats you can think of, and then just re-start your training schedule!
If at all possible, a holiday, a few days away together with your pet might be just the thing... a fresh environment could well help to remove any negative associations and/or worries for both of you.
Added thoughts... how old is your dog? If it is a pup is it old enough to be neutered, if not a pup has it been neutered? Is it an 'only one', or do you have other dogs within your family?
Taking the former questions into consideration... could the problem possibly be hormonal. Pups do get a surge of hormones at a certain age, and an older dog, living with a dog of the opposite sex could also be experiencing a hormone rush - which just possibly could lead to some peeing problems.
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