While marking in the house is usually done to an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture. Dogs often mark on objects. Quite often the object is something new or different with unfamiliar smells that has come into the house.
Since you stated that it started recently after having him for a year, it may be a object in the house that your dog may be unfamiliar with and is resorting to marketing it. Also, male dogs that are not castrated are more likely to mark than castrated dogs.
Another reason for the sudden behavior could be that your dog may be having feelings of insecurity or a perceived threat. This perceived threat, for example, can be an introduction of a new baby, a new pet, a visitor or even a new piece of furniture. The smell of other animals on your footwear or clothing can also trigger a dog to feel the need to mark his territory.
Below are some tips to prevent or stop your dog peeing in the house:
1. For pet dogs, early neutering will stop marking behavior in the majority of dogs. Neutering at an early age can prevent the habit forming.
2. Supervise and Break the Habit. Catch him in the act! DOGS LEARN QUICKLY FROM THIS
3. Make yourself a Shaker Bottle or Shaker Can. A shaker can is simply an empty cola can with a several coins inside it. The opening is taped over to prevent the coins flying out. It makes a lot of noise when you shake it up and down.
A shaker bottle is a plastic bottle with some small pebbles or coins placed inside. Watch your dog for any signs (such as sniffing and circling) that he is even thinking about marking. The moment he begins to lift his leg shake the can once only to get his attention. The loud noise should startle him and interrupt what he is doing. As he looks towards where the noise has come from. Give him the command in a stern voice 'NO PEE'. Sometimes throwing the can in his general direction works well too but be careful not to hit him with it as you only want to startle him not harm him.
If he then turns around and resumes what he was doing, repeat the process. Try to divert his attention with something fun like a game or throw him a ball.
OK, so you have stopped him peeing once. Now you have to be consistent and diligent and continue with the behavior modification each and every time you see him attempt to mark urine.
Do not rant, rave or smack your dog at any time. Punishment will make an insecure dog more insecure.
4. Praise him when he pees where you want him to. Don't forget to praise your dog when he marks in an appropriate place. If you are outside and he marks on a tree or other acceptable object or area tell him what a good boy he is. Tell him, 'Pee here, good boy' in a happy voice. Dogs learn quickly from positive responses to their behavior.
5. Confinement is the only answer for some dogs. Some dogs will never be able to be trusted with the run of the house. Although inconvenient to you it may be necessary to close doors to certain rooms and only allow freedom in the rooms he can be trusted.
Answered by
Tanman
at
Feb 23, 2010 02:43 PM
