Why Does My Dog Pee On Soft Things? – (What To Do Next?)

Admit that we just love our animals but no one likes to deal with that dog’s pee and poop problems. Dog peeing on different things is one of the most common issues of dog owners. Questions like “why does my dog pee on soft things?” “Why does my dog pee on his blankets?” “Why did my dog pee on me?” and many more. 

People ask us such questions so many times. 

In this article, I’m going to discuss the reason behind the dog’s behavior of peeing on soft surfaces, their solution, the right method to clean those soft surfaces, and the best tools to use while cleaning. 

Why does my dog pee on soft things? The number one reason for dogs peeing on soft things is improper pee pad training. The dog might not be able to differentiate between soft pads and other soft stuff around. This behavior can also happen if your dog is sick, he is urine marking, he is given too much freedom before being fully potty trained or he just associates soft things with peeing.

5 Reasons Your Dog Is Peeing On Soft Things?

Here are the details of 5 possible reasons behind this behavior. 

1- Improper Pee Pad Training:

It is often said that you should never use pee pads to train the dogs but I say that it’s not the pee pad that is the problem but it is the improper training that causes the dog to be confused. 

If the trainer doesn’t know the right method and he trained him improperly, it can do more harm than good. 

The dog won’t be able to differentiate between the pads and other soft things in the house. 

I have mentioned in my article about puppy pee pad training problems that if the training is not done right, the dog will start going on all soft things in the house like blankets, pillows, sofas, couches, etc. 

2- Too Much Freedom Too Early:

This is a very common mistake new dog owners make. They give too much freedom and complete access to the house before the dog knows how to behave. 

Too much freedom too early means letting him inside before he is fully potty trained.

It’s not the animal’s fault. He is just not trained enough and he doesn’t know what he is expected to do in the house. 

Your dog loved those softy softies and peed on them. 

3- Urine Marking:

If your canine is lifting his leg and peeing small amounts on those blankets and pillows, he is more likely trying to mark them as his ownership. 

Especially if you find those urine stains on new stuff or the stuff that belongs to the owner. 

Find out how to differentiate between urine marking and house soiling and how to stop this behavior. 

4- Health Condition:

It is also possible that your dog is suffering. He might be suffering from UTI or diabetes type stuff which is causing him to urinate more frequently without being able to hold his bladder. 

If your furry friend is spending most of his time on soft things, it’s natural to find more urine stains on those things. 

He might not be consciously peeing on soft stuff, he is just peeing because of the disease which happens to be on such surfaces. 

If you find your dog in pain while urinating, uncomfortable, licking his urinary opening, or weak, you should see a vet. 

5- Potty Training Regression:

Sometimes dogs just forget their training. It’s just a normal part of their brain growth. They forget old stuff and adopt new behaviors. 

This is why I always ask to follow up with the training every once in a while.

If you think that your dog is regressing, just get back to the basic training and he will learn within no time. 

6- Your Dog Smells Urine There:

It is also possible that your dog is smelling urine there. It’s natural for a dog to pee where he smells pee. Check with a UV flashlight, if there are any urine stains on soft things.

How To Stop Your Dog From Peeing On Soft Things?

This is not a behavior that will stop on his own. You must do something to stop him. Here are a few tips that will help you overcome this issue. 

How to stop a dog from peeing on soft things? You must confine him and do not let him access those soft surfaces. Then find out if the pee pad training is done wrong, if the dog is fully potty trained, or if he is urine marking. Finding out the reason is the only way to stop your dog from doing so. Getting back to basic training is crucial. You need to associate those soft things with something else.

1- Keep The Dog Away From Soft Surfaces:

First of all, keep the dog away from the soft things that he is urinating on. This is not the only solution but it’s the first step to solve this problem. 

A- Use Citrus Scents: 

There are certain scents that will keep the dog away.

Dogs hate the citrus smell. 

You can use any of these essential oils on the corners of soft things to keep the dog away.

  • Citronella oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Vinegar
  • Or any oil that scents like citrus fruits

Apply a small amount on the corner of the soft things but do not put them in the diffuser. 

Some oils might be toxic for the dog if he will continue to inhale them for long period.

B- Confine Him Using A Playpen Or Baby Gates:

You must confine him to certain areas of the house where cleaning is easier. 

You can use a dog playpen or baby gates for this purpose. 

Make sure to place your dog’s toys so he stays busy. 

C-  Keep The Doors Closed:

You can keep the doors closed so your dog won’t go inside and find out a soft blanket to pee on it.

2- Clean Those Soiled Soft Things:

You must clean the soiled things as soon as possible. It will be much harder to clean the old stains. 

If there will be any smell left, your dog is most likely to go there again to pee. 

How to clean those surfaces and what are the best tools to clean? We’ll talk about this in a while. 

3- Do Something About The Pee Pad Training:

Now you have confined him to limit this action. 

If you have used pee pads to train your dog to go to the toilet. It’s time to do something with that training.

A- Properly Train Him To Use The Pee Pads:

Go through these articles:

Just simply go through these articles quickly and find out where you were wrong and how you can train your dog perfectly.  

B- Switch Him To Go Outside:

You can also opt in to train your dog to use the outdoor toilet. Simply get back to basics and every time your dog needs to go, take him outside to a specific potty spot and say the potty command. 

Read more: Taking your puppy outside to pee? (8 things you must know)

C- Switch To Grass Pads:

If switching outside is not an option, you can opt-in for real grass pads. Doggielawn is a good company that delivers fresh grass patches according to your chosen size and time.

Train your dog to go on them. 

4- Get Back To The Basic Training:

Whatever the problem is, getting back to the basic method of potty training is crucial. 

Your dog will only learn (and stay “learned”) with follow-ups. 

Related article: Complete guide to a puppy’s potty training.

5- Show Him The Good Behavior:

If after doing everything your dog still moves towards the soft surfaces, you should show him what is right and what is wrong. 

Place a rug in front of him. As soon as he moves towards it, hold his leash and take him to the potty spot, when he pees and treat him.

Now, bring your canine to the soft rug all by yourself and place his favorite toy there. Sit on the rug and take your dog in your lap or around you. 

Play with him there and treat him.

Show him that he can play on the rug and go to the toilet to do the deed. 

A few repetitions of this practice will make your dog understand. 

6- Find Out If The Dog Is Urine Marking:

If your dog is urine marking then you have to solve this problem. 

Here you will learn about the reasons for urine marking and how to solve this issue. 

How To Clean Up The Soft Surfaces After Your Dog Has Peed On Them?

Cleaning depends on the type of soft thing your dog has peed on:

Cleaning Pillows, Cushions, Blankets, And Rugs:

First of all, cover the soiled area with a paper towel, don’t rub it or push it on the surface. Let the paper towel absorb as much mess as it can. 

(do not throw the used paper towel in the normal household dust bin. Dispose of where you throw dog poop.)

Remove the upper layer (if any) and wash it with an enzyme-based cleaner. 

Dip the pillow or blanket in the clean water and wash. Then in a bucket, add water and enzyme cleaner, sock the “soft thing” in it. 

After that wash it with clean water. 

(Make sure to use a suitable enzyme cleaner that won’t mess with your lovely pillows and rugs.)

Keep the washed thing in a safe place and let it dry. 

After that, check with a UV flashlight if the urine stain is gone or not. 

Cleaning Carpets And Mattresses: 

First of all, you should always use a waterproof mattress protector sheet when you have a baby or pet at home. 

It can save you a lot of work. 

Cover the dog urine with a paper towel or towel and let it absorb the mess. Keep changing the paper towel until the mess is absorbed. 

Take a paper towel and gently pat on it and remove all the removable mess. 

After that, take an old toothbrush and an enzymatic cleaner. 

Spray the enzyme cleaner on it and use the toothbrush to help the cleaner reach deep down in the carpet. (make sure to use the toothbrush in an upward motion). 

After around 10-15 minutes, wipe out the surface with another paper towel or towel. You can cover the area with a towel and let it sit there until the cleaner is fully absorbed in that. 

It is advised to read instructions on the label before using any product.

You can use a vacuum-based carpet cleaner to perfectly clean the carpet. 

The toothbrush you used on the carpet to clean up the surface should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or bleach.

Keep this toothbrush away from other toothbrushes to avoid mixing. 

Always use a UV flashlight to check if there are any pet stains left. 

Best Enzyme Cleaner To Be Used On Clothes, Fabrics, Bedding, And Upholstery:

OUT! Advanced Stain and Odor Remover” is the best to be used on such soft surfaces. This is certified by the carpet and rug institute.

It comes in 3 in 1 sprayer; mist, foam, and stream. 

It is still advised to check for its effect on colors by testing it on small hidden areas for 24 hours. 

Do not use “OUT! Advanced Stain and Odor Remover” on leather and wool. 

Conclusion: 

How to stop a dog from peeing on soft things? First of all, if you are using puppy pads to train your dog, switch to the grass pads as soon as possible. Confine your dog and return to the basic training method. Check whether or not your dog is urine marking. And yes! Don’t forget to clean up the mess as soon as possible. 

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