HELP!!! dog wont stop "marking"

[stevelkinevil]

Anyone ever effectively dealt with this issue? It's getting to the point where we are considering giving him up. We all love the dog but over the last couple months he has started peeing on various items throughout the house. He has hit my sons backpacks, shoes, guitar amp, our rifle cases, my dresser ect.... He waits till a bedroom is open and sneaks in a pisses on something. We try to keep the doors closed but all he needs is a 30 second window and he does it. Ive tried the old make him smell it, but he knows when he does it and runs and hides in the laundry room and will not come out. We are at the end of our ropes, he has done this probably 30+ times and got my oldest sons backpack no less than 5 times alone. Ive done some research and every article says it's because of a new pet or person in the house and that's not the case. He is a 6 year old German Shepherd.

[jhood001]

Maybe there is something physically wrong with him and he's not feeling well?

Try some dog asprin on him for a couple days and see if there is a change? Maybe get him a new toy or something. Could just be boredom. All else fails and you want to keep him in your life, go see a vet.

[Monky]

Marking is natural for dogs. Perhaps you aren't noticing when he wants to go outside to do his business? I had to bell train my dog, he doesn't whine or bark just stands at the back door.

Kenneling is another option. If he's not kennel trained already, talk to a trainer. They should never be forced into their kennel. Kennel him even when you're home taking him out to use the bathroom.


Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.

[Great-Kazoo]

he neutered?
try keeping him in 1 area. As mentioned vet visit.

We used a spray bottle with vinegar and water mix, to assist pets from bad habits. Stress, or other anxiety issues within the household can pass on to pet. Spend some time with your pup before getting rid of him.

http://www.dogchatforum.com/adult-do...g-in-house.htm

[funkymonkey1111]

Ive tried the old make him smell it,.

if this is your response, maybe giving him up is the best choice

[Gunner]

If he isn't neutered do that. It may be to late though. When I saw my Brittany lift his leg on a tree one time the next day he got snipped for that reason right there. My brothers dog isn't neutered and pisses on everything.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stevelkinevil]

he isn't neutered, I really didn't want to chop him. The vet I spoke to said it probably wouldn't help with the marking thing. I think I will try it anyway. To the other posters its definitely not a potty training thing, he gets out plenty and will whine at the door if he needs to go and we haven't let him out. May try one of those belly band things if the neutering doesn't work. I really dont want to get rid of him I am just beyond frustrated with this problem, its freakin disgusting (the marking pee seems to be extra strong) and I know by his immediate behavior when we go upstairs that he knows he is not supposed to do it.

[Fentonite]

Neuter him. It may help the marking issue, and it certainly decreases his risk of some life-ending diseases.

I like the spray-bottle idea, but just with water.

If all else fails, I'd consider a dog behaviorist. Sounds wacky, but we used a guy that was magic. We adopted a cat-aggressive pitbull, and at the same time a stray kitten wandered into our home. Within a couple hours, he took the pit from a crazed cat-killer to the kitten's best friend and protector.

[Great-Kazoo]

he isn't neutered, I really didn't want to chop him. The vet I spoke to said it probably wouldn't help with the marking thing. I think I will try it anyway. To the other posters its definitely not a potty training thing, he gets out plenty and will whine at the door if he needs to go and we haven't let him out. May try one of those belly band things if the neutering doesn't work. I really dont want to get rid of him I am just beyond frustrated with this problem, its freakin disgusting (the marking pee seems to be extra strong) and I know by his immediate behavior when we go upstairs that he knows he is not supposed to do it.

That's a sign of possible UTI , kidney stone, Or salt content too high

[Delfuego]

This is 100% behavioral. 1st thing, is he has a place to hide in the laundry room, that is not good. He needs to realize that he is "always on" and there is never a place to hide. You could keep him leashed with a rope or string to help break this behavior. He will learn that there no running away and is always "on leash" as his behavior improves you simple cut the rope shorter and shorter till he doesn't need it but always thinks he's attached. Kenneling is good, but it must never be a punishment, this will only make him hate the kennel and not want to go in or whine when he is inside. You need to reinforce the positive peeing as well as punish the marking. Not just punishment but praise too. When he pee's outside let him know your happy with him. Attention and jealousy may also play into his behavior. Is he jealous of the attention other family member is get over him?

This habit can be broken with neutering, it may help but I'm with your vet on this one. The more attention and training he receives the more he will try to please you and he'll know that peeing makes you mad. Also you need (and I mean need), to get whole whole family on board with training and have everyone follow the same regime.
Good luck, and remember there are no bad dogs!