Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 6 month old rough collie Echo has always gone to the toilet like clockwork and I have had her for just over 2 months. This morning I took her out as normal and she didn't urinate which I thought was very strange. I bought her back home planning to take her out again 30 minutes later and then discovered that at some point earlier when I was unaware she had jumped up on my bed and urinated on my duvet! I couldn't scold her because it was after the fact and I didn't catch her in the act.

The only change in circumstances the last couple of days has been that I have had a friend staying here but they seemed to get along ok and I haven't been neglecting her.

What could have triggered that? Was it someone else in the house? Could she have been that desperate for a pee? and why my bed? She's not crate trained and she has the run of the house but the only place I don't let her on is my bed so I guess she wouldn't view that as soiling her own space.

The thing that concerns me now is that it has happened once and I didn't catch her at it so she isn't going to know that that is unacceptable.

I hope this was just a one off but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

That is strange, Mark, I don't know why she would do that. It is possible she just couldn't hold it anymore. Another possibility is a Urinary Tract Infection. Keep your eyes on her, if she seems uncomfortable or in pain, or has trouble urinating, or urinates more than usual, she very well may have one and you should take her to the vet, but before you go, get a sample of her urine.
Other than that, I can't think of anything else it could be. Maybe another poster will have a better idea.
Good luck! Hope she is alright!

I've heard folks say that dogs don't hold grudges or play the revenge game, but I disagree. Especially a dog that is very bonded, in the house etc. like Echo.

I've had the same thing happen on several occaisions, sep dogs/different times - but always there was some event that to me was a trigger - like the dog was saying - this is upsetting me. I even had 1 dog pee on my foot.

Each happened just the 1 time; I'd just be watching & try to prevent her from having the opportunity. You might send a signal by closing your door or putting several large objects on your bed.

But you are right, any punishment would have created more/worse issues.

I would just like to point out that cats DEFINITELY do this. I always had cats growing up and when we went on vacation, if they saw the suitcases, they would start urinating on furniture, and also as soon as we got back, and they would completely ignore us (Especially my mother since she was the main care giver) for a few days after we got home. If cats can hold a grudge, I would think it's safe to say dogs can too. But I could be wrong on that one. :-P Just some food for thought.