Why Is My Dog Peeing On My Bed?

Phyllis asks, Why is my dog peeing on my bed? Unfortunately, she's not the only visitor asking this question; it's one that keeps popping up, so I am going to answer it here. If you've anything to add, please feel free to do so. 

Dog Peeing On My Bed!

I have a problem with my cocker spaniel dog peeing on my bed, and I don't know what I can do to stop it.

My cocker spaniel is 10 years old and has suddenly started urinating on the bed...my bed! She's done it twice tonight. 

This happened about 6 months ago but was resolved. We took her to the vet, but they didn't find a problem.

Do you have any ideas why this might be recurring?

By: Phyllis Parent
From: Paradise, CA

Cute Cocker!

Why Is My Cocker Spaniel Peeing On My Bed?

Hello Phyllis,

There may be a few reasons why your cocker spaniel has started peeing on your bed, and the best way to stop it for good is to work out why she's doing it in the first place.

Easier said than done, yes?

You give little background information, so it's difficult for me to help you pinpoint the problem, but let's see if I can help.

Dog Peeing On My Bed: Is It Behavioural?

If your dog is only peeing on your bed, it's almost certainly not a medical condition. It's more likely to be a behavioural problem.

If it is behavioural, you need to think about everything that may be causing this. For example:

Back To The Vets!

First of all, I would take your Cocker to the vet again. A lot can happen in six months, and it may be she has since developed a bladder problem or has an infection.

If the vet confirms she's healthy, at least you can rule out health as an issue.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress or anxiety can cause your dog's toilet habits to change.

Has anything in the household changed to unsettle her? Have you moved recently? Perhaps you've someone staying with you or have recently lost another pet? Have you introduced a new pet to your home?

If there have been changes within the home, you will need to reduce these stressors before you can begin to retrain your dog. It will take a while for your pet to adjust.

Housetraining Issue

It may be nothing more complicated than a lapse in her toilet training habits. That's your bad, as well as hers!

Take her through her housetraining again; start from scratch and stay on top of things. If she has a crate, put her in it when you can't supervise her. This will help her to hold her bladder for longer. Don't use it all day though! 

Is It a Territorial Issue?

It may be a territorial issue if your dog pees on your bed, but only in little spots, not a full pee.

This is because when dogs mark their area, they don't empty their bladder; they only let out a little dribble at a time to continue marking their territory for longer.

Is It An Alpha Challenge?

Is your dog getting a 'bit above her station'? Are her manners slipping? Is she challenging your authority?

If you feel your dog's manners could be better, you should return to basics to improve them.

Often referred to as alpha related, it's now a little dated. However, the methods outlined in the article are still solid, and I highly recommend them.

Why Is My Dog Peeing On My Bed?

You don't say whether your dog is only peeing on your bed at night or if it's during the day too. It's important to understand the circumstances surrounding the problem before you can begin to remedy it.

Dog Peeing At Night

If your dog is peeing at night, try removing her water bowl around 2 or 3 hours before she goes to bed and take her for a walk just before bedtime so that she can pee before she sleeps.

If you can't manage to get out for that final walk, make sure you go out into the garden with her.

Dog Peeing On The Bed During The Day

If she's peeing on your bed during the day, keep your bedroom door (and any other bedroom doors) firmly closed. It may seem obvious, but at least it will stop her from peeing on your bed.

Watch her, though, because this may force her to pee elsewhere.

Regular Pee Breaks

Take your dog outside every hour or two to allow her to pee. Keep her bladder as empty as possible, and your bedding will stay dry!

Re-Housetraining Your Dog

If you can work out what's causing your dog to pee on your bed, it will be easier to come up with a solution.

However, if you can't get to the bottom of the problem, the only other thing I suggest is that you take her through her potty training paces again.

Supervise her at all times and watch her like a hawk. If you see the signs that she wants to pee, take her outside immediately.

In addition, let her out every couple of hours or so (you'll know how long she usually waits before she 'goes') and encourage her to pee. Praise her lavishly when she pees outside to remind her that it is the right place to pee.

If you see her begin to squat in the house, shout loudly, and it will probably shock her into stopping, then you can take her outside so she can pee there. When she does, praise her and give her a treat.

If you keep this up, it shouldn't be long before things return to normal.

Good luck, Phyllis!

Comments From Our Visitors

I recommend you ask your vet to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Our daughter and son-in-law's dog would sit quietly, and all of a sudden, pee would begin to "puddle" under her. They can't even feel that they are going. This would be my suggestion, especially with an older, established dog.

There would be no need to be "staking out its territory", so I don't think it's that. 

Hope that this helps.

Cocker Spaniel Peeing On My Bed
By: Merle Ann