To stop a dog from marking their territory inside the home, we must understand the possible reasons – from not being potty trained to illness.
However, when they do it to mark their territory (also called ‘urine-marking’) iit can be the hardest ‘peeing in the house’ problem to solve. And it can happen with even the best trained, neutered dog.
If your dog suddenly starts ‘urine-making’ in the home:
There are several triggers that can cause a dog – even a neutered dog – to start ‘urine-marking’ his territory. Knowing these will help you respond appropriately, easing any anxiety instead of adding to it and making the problem worse. These include:
Moving to a new house. Anxiety plus an unfamiliar territory (that must be claimed) may incite your dog to start marking his territory inside.
A new animal in the house. Your dog may feel it necessary to do what dog’ do to assert dominance – including peeing a little bit on everything. It says, ‘this is my house, not yours, so I am the boss’ to the new pet.
A new human in the house. Your dog may respond to the new baby or other unfamiliar person in the exact same way. Only this time, it might be on your baby’s blanket or on your guest socks.
A new dog moves in next door.
Anything else that causes anxiety – from change to ‘separation anxiety’.
How to discourage your dog from marking their territory inside
The most important first step if your dog is not neutered, is to get it done straight away. Non-spayed and non-neutered dogs are far more likely to start, and continue, marking their territory inside.
Clean the area with bleach or vinegar if you can, and use a pet repellent spray on it.
If you can, cut access to that location, and all other locations where your dog has been marking his territory inside.
If you cannot cut access, spray those areas regularly with the repellent sprays to stop your dog from going back there.
Feed or play with your dog in the room where he regularly marks so that he associates it with something else. Dogs won’t urine-mark where they eat.
Close the curtains when you are not at home if the problem is a new dog next door. If he can’t see the dog, he is less likely to make his territory in the only place he can – inside your home.
Encourage his to play with the new pet or human and bond with them. This will help your dog understand that they are not threats to his territory.
If you suspect the cause is separation anxiety, you will need to deal with that with the help of a dog trainer and your vet.
Finally, if you catch him in the act, stop him immediately and reprimand him. Then take him outside to , hopefully, finish peeing, Then praise him! Lots!
Discouraging your dog from marking his/her territory inside can be challenging, but is achievable by following the strategies outlined above. Taking action with these steps will help discourage your dog from returning to the same area and help make the home a happier and healthier one for everyone! And remember – if you have any further questions about how to deal with this issue, it is always a great idea to consult either your vet or animal behaviorist.
