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Writer's pictureEsther Edge

Help! My Dog is Marking in the House




Marking behavior in dogs can be an annoying and challenging habit to break. It's not just a nuisance; it can also signify underlying issues such as anxiety, dominance, or insufficient house training. Let me walk you through some tips that can help you curb this undesirable habit when applied consistently and correctly.


Understanding Marking Behavior


Dogs mark by urinating on objects to leave their scent and communicate with other dogs. This behavior is more common in unneutered males, but any dog can develop the habit. To stop it, you need to be proactive and consistent in your approach.


Curbing Marking Behavior Outdoors


One way to help curb marking in the home is to prevent your dog from marking while out on walks or in your backyard. There are many dogs that will mark outside and won’t have any problems with marking indoors. If that is your dog, then whether or not you want to stop the behavior is up to you. But if your dog struggles with marking in the house, then allowing them to mark outdoors only reinforces the behavior. This makes it much harder to control indoors. If you’re looking to stop your dog from marking indoors, then be vigilant and stop the behavior consistently during outdoor activities as well.


Catching Them in the Act


The only way you can stop your dog's marking is by catching them in the act. You can’t take them to the scene of the crime long after it’s happened and expect them to know what you’re correcting or yelling at them for. Immediate intervention is what’s going to help them make the connection between the action and the correction. Here’s how you can do it:


Using a Leash


It would be more effective to correct your dog's marking with an e-collar because that takes you “out of the equation” which allows your dog to learn more quickly and be consistent whether you’re around or not. If you’re only correcting your dog with a tug on the leash and a verbal “no” they may just learn to go and mark when you’re not around. However, I am still going to walk you through correcting the marking behavior with a leash as this can be effective when you’re on a walk with your dog.


1. Identify Marking Areas: You may notice that your dog marks on every tree you walk past or each fire hydrant, or just everything! Whatever it is, when you’re walking your dog, start by preventing them from checking out every single tree and hydrant you pass.


2. Set Your Dog Up: Occasionally allow your dog to check out and sniff a tree or fire hydrant you pass. (Make sure you stop, get them to sit, and release them to sniff and explore. Don’t ever let them veer off or pull over to check out anything while you’re walking.)


3. Correct for Marking: As soon as your dog shows signs of marking (e.g., sniffing intently, lifting their leg) you’re going to give a quick tug on the leash and give them a firm “No”


If you do this consistently, your dog will learn that marking is not allowed and they will gradually stop doing it.


Using an E-Collar


An electronic collar (e-collar) is the most useful tool in training your dog to stop marking. The e-collar gives a correction when the dog engages in unwanted behavior without it being obvious that you are involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide on using it effectively:


1. Identify and Monitor Marking Areas: Identify the rooms or items your dog frequently marks. Allow your dog access to these areas only when you can keep an eye on them. If possible, do it without being too obvious.


2. Watch for Signs: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they start showing a lot of interest in a particular spot, it might be a sign they’re about to mark.


3. Use the E-Collar: As soon as your dog shows signs of marking (e.g., sniffing intently, lifting their leg), use the vibrate function on the e-collar to deter them. If they continue to lift their leg, apply a stim correction starting at a lower level & working your way up until you find a level that is effective enough to stop your dog from wanting to mark again. Make sure you don’t say anything during this process. The idea is for your dog to learn that marking itself is the cause of the correction, not your presence. If they associate the correction with you, they might simply try to mark when you’re not around.


4. Consistency is Key: Consistently apply this method every time your dog attempts to mark. Over time, they will learn that marking results in an unpleasant consequence.


Baiting the Behavior


In some cases, it can be effective to bait your dog into the situation where they would normally mark. Here’s how:


-Prepare the Environment: Place items or let your dog into rooms where they have marked before.

-Observe Discreetly: Watch your dog without making it obvious. If they start to get too interested in something, use the vibrate function to interrupt their focus.

-Correct When Necessary: If they lift their leg to mark, correct them at a higher stim level with the e-collar.


Remember, it’s essential not to say anything during this process. The idea is for your dog to learn that marking itself triggers the correction, not your presence. If they associate the correction with you, they might simply try to mark when you’re not around.


Additional Tips


-Neutering/Spaying: If your dog is not yet neutered or spayed, consider this option. It can significantly reduce marking behavior.

-Regular Cleaning: Clean marked areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. This can help reduce the likelihood of repeat marking.


Conclusion


Stopping your dog from marking in the home requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. By using an e-collar effectively and maintaining a watchful eye, you can deter your dog from marking. Remember, the key is to correct the behavior without them associating it with your presence, ensuring they understand that marking inside is never acceptable.

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