We have a Westie called Foggy who will be 3 years old in October. How do we teach him to bark/scratch at the door when he wants a wee first thing in the morning? Normally, he will wait at the door until he's been let out, but sometimes, he'll want a wee at 5am/6am before anyone is awake and rather than barking to wake us up or holding on (like all other dogs seem to be able to do!!) he will just wee by the door. I've shampooed/sprayed/steam cleaned the carpet by the door, but he still thinks its cool to wee by the door, rather than bark/wait! Help!!

Hello Stewartca and welcome to the Forum :) First thing I would do is to wash the carpet that has been peed on with Biological washing powder (dissolved in hot water) this should help to kill the smell.

Secondly I would set the alarm so that you get up and preempt him peeing on the carpet ....hopefully he should get the message. You can always go back to bed after he has been outside ..

Melody :)

When he is sitting by the door waiting to go out, speak to him in a really high giddy voice. Something like, "what do you want then" , "want go out", "tell me" and as soon as he makes a sound - open the door and praise him well. Keep doing this and make him make a louder sound gradually by taking longer to open the door and soon he should, fingers crossed:D, bark when he wants to go out.

hth

Pam n the boys

Do you let him out last thing at night before you go to bed? I tend to let my lot out just before I go to bed so they are comfortable through the night. Might be worth a try if you don't!
Bec