Why does my dog pee outside but always poop inside on furniture?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog pees when we go outside, but won't poop. But the minute we come inside, he poops, especially on furniture. Why is this?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 10th, 2014
You may need to spend more time with him outside. Wait him out, and when he does go poop outside, give him lots of praise and give him a treat. You may also want to consider crate training him. Get him a crate that is big enough for him to stand up and turn around in. Make it comfortable, in a nice quiet place, with his blankets and toys. If he's stubborn and won't go outside, put him in his crate and close it. If he cries, give him a few minutes to settle down, but if he persists, he may be letting you know he needs to go potty. By giving him just enough room, but not too much, your giving him a 'den' so to speak. Dogs are very reluctant to soil the place where they sleep, so by confining him, you're presenting him with a choice; ask to go out and get the job done, or possible make a mess and have to be stuck with it for a little while. When he has gone potty, put him in his crate but don't shut it. The presence of his blankets and a toy will reinforce to him that the crate is a nice place that is all his own.
13Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 24th, 2019
yIts possible that he may have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or another health issue that has contributed to this becoming a problem.. sometimes their potty habits changing are the first (and sometimes only) sign that something is wrong in their urinary tract. If his health is cleared after a physical exam and labwork (urinalysis and possibly blood work), the we can say this a behavioral issue. If that is the case, it may take some time to re-establish good potty habits. Were there any major changes in the garden or stressors in his life at the time this behavior changed? Any new animals in the house? You might try taking him to a new area to relieve himself... take him on a short walk, etc. You also need to clean the areas where he has peed inside very thoroughly, and if they are carpeted areas they need to be steam cleaned; often the pad also needs to be pulled up and replaced. Once they smell where they've previously gone inside, they recognize that as an appropriate place to continue to use as a bathroom. A good "reestablishment" of potty training is likely in order. Here is an article with some helpful info: https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-tips-to-potty-train-your-dog-young-and-old/ You may need to seek help from a trainer or behaviorist, as these problems can be frustrating and not easily resolved. Thank you for asking petCoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 8th, 2018
Great question! The best way to do this is crate training. It allows you to keep an eye on Storm for signs that he has to go potty, and will teach him to hold it until you put him outdoors. The crate needs to be big enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but it should not be big enough for him to go potty in. I will put a link below on crate training a puppy. In addition, to potty train him, start by keeping your puppy on a regular feeding schedule, and taking away his food between meals. Take him out to potty first thing every morning, and once every 30 minutes to an hour. Always make sure he goes out after meals, first thing when he wakes up from a nap, last thing before bedtime at night, and right before you leave the house. Take him to the same spot each time to go potty. His scent there will encourage him to go. Stay with him outside each time he goes to potty, at least until he is fully house trained. When he goes outside, praise him and give him a treat. Best of luck, I hope this helps! https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/blog/2016/january/19/how-to-crate-train-a-puppy/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 8th, 2019
As you have figured out, not all pets learn the same! Make sure you reward Rudi every time her potties outside. Also do not leave him unsupervised in the house as the more accidents he has in the house, the more his brain thinks this is normal behavior. Use a kennel if you are not already doing so. Keep him on a leash in the house and go outside with a leash so that he has to leave the porch. Lastly, if you know he has to potty and he does not go, put him back in the kennel for 30 minutes and then take him out again. If he still does not go, he goes back in the kennel for another 30 minutes. You keep repeating this until he potties outside and then he can be free in the house. Be patient and I hope this helps to give you some ideas! Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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