Our 5 month old Dobermann is house trained, with one mior exception she keeps urinating on our bed.

The problem has only started in the last month or so.  We change the duvet every time (and have it dry cleaned), so there is little trace of the smell.  Occasionally she does it in front of us, but more often she urinates in her sleep, despite us always making sure she has a 'tinkle' before bed. 

Does anyone have any advise as to whether this is a behavioural problem or possibly medical?

If she's doing it in her sleep then it would seem to be medical.  However when she does it in front of you it's a bit more worrying.  Having a dog sleep on your bed is difficult behaviour-wise as it sends them the signal that they're equivalent to you in the pecking order and maybe weeing on the bed is putting her stamp of ownership on the bed to gain dominance over you.  If you can bear having her sleep on her own bed in your room then this may solve the problem.  I hope it works out for you, not a nice problem to be dealing with.

If she's wetting in her sleep the problem is medical.  She may have a bladder infection.

Hiya,

Sorry Mum of Poj - I completely disagree with you, I don't think if you let a dog sleep on your bed it means they think they are the same status as you, I really don't think this comes into it - more they think 'yay, nice comfy place to sleep right next to mum or dad' :-)  I really don't hink if she's wetting the bed at 5 months old (or at any age really) it's got a thing to do with dominance.  Especially since she's doing it in her sleep, as has been mentioned it sounds like there is a medical problem and I would get her checked out at the vets ASAP.  If you catch her doing it, then just use a marker like 'ah ah' or 'no' what ever you choose and take her out side the very instant she starts and then lots of praise and treat when she finishes outside.  Don't be getting cross or shouting at her, (not saying you are) it won't help especially if the poor girl has a bladder infection or something.

All the best - hope she's ok.

Karen

I have bitches that will pee on my bed during the day, given the chance, so I shut them out (when I remember ) They sleep in the bedroom with me at night and I don't have a problem with them. Yes, they sleep on the bed, unless one of them decides to sleep on the sofa at the side of the bed ;) If the OP's young bitch is peeing when sleeping then I agree that she should be checked out by the vet. At least then, if there IS a problem it can be sorted. It might just be that she hasn't learnt to control her bladder yet. I'd keep her off the bed until her peeing is sorted, though :)

Thanks all for your help and advice.  As the lady at the dry cleaner knows mine (and the dog's name) we are going to go to the vets tomorrow, just in case...

I agree the problem is very possibly medical.

I'd  disagree that having dogs on bed causes dogs to believe they are dominant, higher in the pack etc...this is advice is really outdated now :)

I have had Belgians in my room and on my bed for pretty much all their lives - no problems ever. The only problems occur if the dog tends to be a bit guardy of this resource, in which case the problem is easily solved by keeping the dog out and if necessary working on the problem.

Lindsay
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