How to Stop Dogs From Urinating on Shrubs

It is not uncommon for a dog to urinate on a bush, flower bed or tree trunk. Unfortunately, this can result in the death of said, bush, tree or flower bed. Getting your dog to urinate in a specific location may seem like an impossible task, but it is actually a common practice achieved by training. If your dog urinates in an undesired location, knowing how to teach him to go the bathroom where you want him to may just save your shrubs.

Things You'll Need

  • Stake or garden fence
  • Leash
  • Dog treat
  • Deterrent spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the spot where you want your dog to go to the bathroom. You can use a special plastic or metal stake designed for dog potty training. You can also use garden trim to mark the area. Choose what will make the area distinct to your dog. If you do use garden trim or fence, don't use the trim that looks identical to your actual garden trim. This may confuse your dog, and cause a delay in the training process.

    • 2

      Take your dog out to the spot where you want him to go to the bathroom. Do not allow him to leave the spot until he has gone to the bathroom. This may require you taking your dog out on a leash the first few times, even if you have a fenced-in yard. When your dog seems to be accepting the new bathroom spot you can allow him free reign of the yard again.

    • 3

      Give your dog a treat and praise him when he goes to the bathroom in the spot you have chosen. This practice helps your dog develop a positive association with this activity. Take the treats outside with you while you are training your dog so you can reward your dog immediately. Many dogs have a short memory, so if you wait until you go inside your dog probably won't remember why he is being rewarded.

    • 4

      Wait no longer than five to 10 minutes for your dog to go the bathroom in his new spot. If he refuses to go, bring him back inside the house. You can bring him back out after 10 to 15 minutes. Keep trying this cycle until your dog goes the bathroom. Reward and praise your dog immediately when he goes the bathroom in his new spot.

    • 5

      Spray your dog's old bathroom area with a deterrent spray. These sprays are safe for most types of foliage, but your dog will find their smell and taste unpleasant. This will help persuade your dog to go to the new bathroom spot. You can also make the old spot unavailable by barricading it temporarily.