Marks in house...

[kevin2811]

I have read some previous posts about males marking in the house. My male is just over three years old and will mark from time to time. There was previous evidence of other animals living in my current residence. My male (Bowden) only does this periodically and I would like to know if there is anyway to control this problem without putting him in a crate. I do crate my 8 month old female so I don't have a problem with that. Bowden has also been doing this on and off before my female (Mercedes) was introduced to the household. I would like to let him have free reign off the house (most of it) because he is (as we all know) a great deter to unwanted intruders. Any help would be greatly appreciated to make our lives even happier! Thank you all!

[Storm]

This is an issue where the dog to a certain degree is "dictating" ................by marking in the house and with you cranking up the screws to an extent where the dog relises, "hey this is not mine to mark" and that there is someone within this hierarchy that is "above" me, this should improve the issue. By re-infircing general status by incorporating simple, general obedience, this all enables the dog to pu things into perspective in a round about way where you physically don't have to take the dog's head off. Obedience is interpreted differently by various people though, but ultimately take control of the dog through various interactions revolving around the "obedience" factor and start establishing distinctive parralels between you and your dog and wht's yours.

[rotts and roses]

Hi Kevin and Welcome
You don't mention if you catch him in the act of marking and if so how do you deal with it?
Is he neutered?
The only way to get him to stop is by catching him in the act of lifting his leg, preferably BEFORE he starts to " mark" and let him know in NO uncertain terms that this is NOT acceptable. A firm NO and Slap a leash on him and take him outside.He doesn't understand being put in his crate after he has marked.He doesn't associate the two.
You say there is evidence of other animals living there previously? How so?
Is there an odor of urine? If so you need to find it and do some serious cleaning with a product specifically made to remove animal urine.
How do you react and go about correcting his marking behavior? Is the female spayed? Is she in season?
More information would be helpful

[Storm]

The dog doesn't see you and your possesions the way it should. If he did you wouldn't have the problem. In so many areas there can be a lack in "communication" or in your perceived "hierarchy". By addressing this you will address his outlook upon life. By beating the crap out of him everytime you are just addressing the moment and not how he perceives you and your stuff, and with this "attitude" already may even lead to conflict situations, I don't know the dog. My male almost looks for approval everytime he pees, not out of fear but more out of respect that is a imprinted physcologicaly and not physically.

[kevin2811]

Thank you all for your helpful responses. Here is a little more info on my big baby. He did not begin this behavior until he was about 18 months old. Each house I have lived in has allowed pets and most have small stains that reappear through steam cleaned carpets shortly after move in. When Bowden does this it is only little piddles just as if he is marking his territory in the house. It is extremely rare for me to catch him doing this so when I see he has done it I don't respond. Just clean it up. I have been told that if a dog is not caught in the act he will only no your are upset at him,not what he has done, if you yell at or scold him. He does seem to have seperation anxiety sometimes and will act like he is mad at me. My female is not spayed and neither is Bowden. I keep the pup in a crate when not at home but have never used a crate for Bowden. He is 3 years old now....is it to late. I also would rather have him loose and available to watch the house. Thank you for your time and help.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Is Bowden allowed access to the crate with the female in it when you're not at home??

[kevin2811]

The crate is in the living room next a sliding glass door leading the the back yard. Bowden has access to all areas of the house except the office and third bedroom.

[brunie's mom]

[quote=kevin2811. My female is not spayed and neither is Bowden. I keep the pup in a crate when not at home but have never used a crate for Bowden. He is 3 years old now....is it to late. I also would rather have him loose and available to watch the house. Thank you for your time and help.[/QUOTE]

NO it is not too late!!
If you have your male neutered he will stop the marking.
Your female is not a pup anymore and could go into heat at anytime.....then the marking will really start and so will the howling and not eating, etc.
He will do anything to get to your female....even mate through the crate.

Please have your male neutered (he will be a much easier dog to live with)...without all of those hormones....and have your female spayed right away...she will live a much healthier life.

Please tell me you did not plan on breeding your dogs? If so...please go to the Breeding forums and read the top thread...."why you should not breed nice dogs". There are thousands of dogs in rescue that were bred by BYB's...we do not need anymore dogs.

Gina

[Brooke&Ryan]

Are you planning on showing the female?? I'm just worried because since neither is fixed your male could easily mate with the female through the crate. If you are not planning on showing her I would get her spayed.

There have been MANY stories that I've read on the boards of dogs eating through plaster, wood, etc. to get to a female in heat. I would hate to see you burdened with a litter of un-needed puppies.

:)
Brooke