Dog that is trained going to the toilet on a mat

oli26

Hi,
we have a small dog we have had since he was a puppy and is now 3 years old. He is trained to go to the toilet and we have never had any issue (he regularly asked to go out) but recently he has started to go to the toilet (Urinate) on a mat we have by the back door.
This is to the point now were we have 3 mats in rotation as there is always one in the wash. Today we have put a washed mat down and he went on it within 5mns as if this is what he has to do.

I am guessing he is confused somehow, any ideas?

If there is no mat down he does not go on the floor or anywhere else.

pinktoe

Does he pee on the same mat more than once or is he trying to mark his territory?

aonb

Whats changed that caused him to start pee-ing on the mat?

Does he have a UTI? Was he scared to go outdoors?

What are you washing the mat with - there is probably a smell left on the mat that reminds him (even after washing) that its the place to pee. Either spray the mats with pee-off stuff (I use "Wee-away" - who thinks of these names ) - or wash it with Biological washing powder/liquid (not non-bio!)

You need to start from scratch and teach him that he may not pee on the mats
- watch him like a hawk and when he approaches the mat, say NO! and take him outside - when he pee's outside, a treat and lots of fuss. Keep it up making loud NO! and a fuss/treat when he doesnt pee on the rug. Hopefully you'll break the 'cycle' quickly with lots of treats and nice fusses when he does well.

But first get rid of that smell (that he can smell!) on the mats!

DBB

Sorry to hear of your dog's issue op.
There is no exception to the rule, that if your house trained dog suddenly starts toileting in the house, you need to get him checked out by the vet.
It doesn't matter if he's in good form, or eating well, or whatever... disruptions in house training in an adult dog are almost always health-related.
This must be ruled in or out before you go any further here.

oli26

Does he pee on the same mat more than once or is he trying to mark his territory?

It seems to be the once only but hard to tell as we wash the mats then but it seems if we leave a mat for the night for instance there is only one small puddle on it.

Whats changed that caused him to start pee-ing on the mat?

no changes I can think off but will try your suggestion of spraying something

.... you need to get him checked out by the vet....

Will do although if it was medical I would think he would pee inside regardless of weather there is a mat or not. For instance, he can be the full night without going if there is no mat and is not even in a rush to go out in the morning but if we leave a clean mat on the floor just after he is back from outside he will pee on it. As if it was his job!