If your male dog is lifting his leg and urinating here and there in your
house; on walls, chairs, lamps and alike, this may not be an
inappropriate elimination problem. Your dog is most probably
presenting territorial marking behavior. Most intact (not altered) male
dogs will not mark in the house because they see the home as their den,
a place they are secure about. However, if a female comes into heat or
another dog perceived as dominant in nature passes through, territorial
marking may begin.
Marking can be distinguished from regular urination in that this behavior
comprises a small squirt of urine rather than the flow normally released
when the dog is genuinely relieving himself. This behavior is largely
under the influence of testosterone in unaltered males. Following
castration, some 50% of the dogs will cease presenting the marking
behavior. However, the further away from the onset of puberty the
operation is done, the more likely the behavior has become a habit and
will continue even after the hormone level decreases. Even if the dog
ceases to mark in your home, he may well continue to do so outdoors or
in a veterinarian's waiting room where the scent of other male dogs
stimulates the response.
The best preventative measure is to castrate the dog at around six to
nine months of age. With older, intact dogs veterinarians will sometimes
prescribe progestins as a way to combat the behavior. As a behaviorist,
I also recommend correcting the behavior while walking outside with a
swift leash check and the word "No." Dealing with it when you are
present may cause the behavior to be avoided later. Cleaning up
marked spots is also important so that the dog will not be compelled to
over mark that spot. A solution of one part white vinegar to 4 parts water
will create a solution that helps to eliminate the odor
I have also found over the years that, in some cases, an insecure dog
will occasionally mark in the home, perhaps to strengthen his feeling of
security. This can also be a result of seperation anxiety. In any case, a
basic obedience training program taught by a qualified instructor
knowledgeable in behavior modification is in order.
