Visiting male dog marking

[Linda and Murphy]

I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this, but I know you are the people to ask.

 

I am dog sitting this weekend for a 3 year old intact male springer spaniel. The last time he was at my house he marked everything he could get to. What can I do to prevent this? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Adina P]

Belly band. <--This is a serious suggestion. They make these for this purpose.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I second the Belly Band.

[BG and Gavin]

Wow, you are most kind to offer to dog sit after he did this in your house the first time. I am afraid that I would be developing some highly contageous disease for the weekend ;)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I did find this info....he's probably not going to be with you long enough for you to "train" him not to mark inside. The "shaker jar" might work pretty quickly though. You are a VERY good friend!

You MUST catch him in the act! DOGS LEARN QUICKLY FROM THIS

Close supervision is necessary. You must be dedicated to stop the marking behavior of your dog and you must be consistent. A couple of weeks or often much less time of intense supervision and correction can save you a lifetime of tearing your hair out trying to find a quick fix for the problem. Some people have reported that it has only taken a day or two using the intense supervision method.

Confine your dog to one area of the house where you can watch him. Shut doors to other areas of the house or barricade them off with baby gates or improvise with whatever is at hand.

If barricading is not possible another option is to put your dog on a retractable lead while he is in the house with you and for you to have total control at all times.

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.

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.

This method is not intended for house training your puppy, only for urine marking. Potty training is another issue. You may wish to read this article: How to potty train your dog or puppy

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.

The message you are trying to get across to him is that urine marking isn't bad, but that marking inside the house isn't such a good idea.

[Linda and Murphy]

Thanks, guys.
I'm not sure if I am a good friend or an idiot. Its complicated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have no advice, but wish you luck. And sanity, lol.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

How did your "dog sitting" weekend go?

[Linda and Murphy]

Pretty much as expected. He spent a lot of time in his crate. I also decided that I'm not sure he is marking. He urinates constantly. Outside, he squats some, but he is walking and peeing too. Really weird. I suggested that they get him checked for a bladder infection. My other thought is checking him for diabetes, which would account for the excessive urination and drinking. But he isn't my dog... Next time I will go with the belly band.
Thanks for asking.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

:( for the love of dogs.... Oh my.