Question:  Why is it when Larry-pug, gets in bed with us he urinates on my husbands side of bed...lol. but doesn't on my side?  Owner Carol , Pug Sunshine

Answer:  Hi Carol.  We understand your "lol" because this is very amusing behavior that your Pug is showing.  However, we are sure that your husband does not think the same, so let's solve this for you.

All dogs have an inner need and strong inbred desire to belong to a "pack".  Now, in modern times, it is the dog's human family who is the Pug dog's pack.

A pack of dog (and now in this case the dog and its human family) always needs to have 1 leader. A dog will learn who is leader based on several factors: who they see as enforcing behavior, who feeds them, who gives in to them and who does not. 

By the way, when a dog falsely believes that he is the leader of the "pack", this can bring many behavioral issues.

Once a Pug dog feels comfortable that they understand who is the leader in the home, they will then behave accordingly.  It appears as if your Pug sees you as the leader and is feeling threatened by your husband to be "2nd in command".  Your Pug is metaphorically fighting for 2nd place.

By urinating on just your husband's side of the bed, your Pug dog is saying, " This is my area, I own this spot next to Sunshine and I am marking my territory!"

You, as the leader in your Pug dog's eyes, must be the one to work together with your husband to teach your Pug that it is indeed your husband who owns the bed with you!

We are going to assume that before your dog pees on the bed, he makes the motion to get ready to pee.  You must stop him.  This can be done by startling your Pug before he pees.  Loudly and quickly say, "No!"  This will cause your dog to turn and look at you. Then, pick him up and take him off the bed.  Without hesitation, bring your Pug to his normal area for peeing.

If Larry-pug does urinate in the designated area that you bring him to, give him great reward and praise.  You must make it very clear to him that he just did something marvelous by not peeing on the bed and doing so in his spot.

This will work best if you catch your Pug before he pees.  If you are not home and Larry-pug is...your bedroom should be off limits.  The door should be closed so that your dog is unable to enter that room.

If you husband does not already do this, it would help if he took turns with you to feed your dog, groom him, take him for walks and other activities to help your Pug learn that your husband is higher in command in your dog's  "pack" than your dog is.