How to Stop Dogs From Soiling Rugs

If your dog soils rugs but no other indoor surface, the dog may have developed a preference for eliminating on rugs. A surface preference for elimination can occur after circumstances force a dog to repeatedly urinate or defecate on a specific surface, such as on blankets in a crate. Other reasons for inappropriate soiling include separation anxiety, submissive urination, medical problems, incomplete house training and territorial urine marking. Regardless of the underlying reason, basic dog care and training techniques can stop indoor and site-specific soiling.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Barrier or baby gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the veterinarian for a medical evaluation. Diabetes, urinary tract infections and a variety of other medical conditions can cause incontinence in dogs and lead to indoor soiling. Follow any treatment recommendations provided by your veterinarian.

    • 2

      Remove urine and feces odor from the rugs with an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, because dogs will repeatedly relieve themselves in areas marked with the scent.

    • 3

      Block your dog's access to the rugs by placing a barrier between the rooms and by monitoring the dog's behavior whenever you are home. Say "no" if the dog walks on the rug or sniffs at it and take the dog outdoors immediately.

    • 4

      Maintain a daily feeding and bathroom schedule for your dog. Take it outside in the mornings, at night, and several times throughout the day--especially before you leave home for any period of time. Praise and reward your dog for eliminating outdoors.

    • 5

      Walk the dog for at least 30 minutes every day and aim for 45- to 60-minute walks for energetic dogs. This exercise reduces anxiety, which contributes to inappropriate urination, and provides the dog with additional opportunities to eliminate outdoors and receive praise for appropriate behavior.

    • 6

      Ignore the dog for about 10 minutes before leaving the house and after returning home, and acknowledge and pet them only after they calm down after your return. This helps prevent urination from excitement and from separation anxiety.

    • 7

      Incorporate the rugs into positive activities for your dog if you wish to allow it access to the rugs again. Place food dishes on a rug or play with your dog on the rug, as suggested by the Humane Society of the United States, because dogs typically do not soil an area in which they eat or roll around.