chihuahua housebreaking

Question
I have a one year old male that was housebroken quickly. Five months ago i got another male puppy who is now eight months old. He took a little longer to housebreak but eventually did. After a move two months ago, both have begun to pee in the new house. Neither are neutered yet but will be within a month. I have cleaned the spots and sprayed pet scent remover. They are also crate trained. What else can i do?

Answer
Hi Maggie!

As I'm sure you already know, it's not helping that both dogs aren't neutered.  At the ages of 1 year and 8 months, they're producing testosterone and that will cause each one of them to mark over where the other has already urinated or marked.  Once they start this, there's only a chance that the "marking" behavior will cease when neutered - that's why it's generally advised to neuter at around 6 months of age.  There's much you can do to work with them though.  First, though, you really do want to get them neutered. Additionally, I have to say that when you up and change your residence, it confuses a dog and they will be more inclined to mark "new" territory.  

I always suggest to pet owners that have moved into a new house when their dogs began marking that it's highly possible that people that lived there prior to you had a "marking" or urinating dog and that could well be the cause of your dogs starting in (although I do think your dogs were the right age and a move to a new house would provoke this behavior).  But, just in case, it's never a bad idea to have a professional cleaner come in and clean the carpets really well using a product that they've proven to you to be safe.

The problem with cleaning with cleaners meant to eradicate pet odors is that often times the urine has gone down to the carpet padding and even the wood underneath the padding.  In that case, you really need to replace that padding and clean the wood well with a product that's usually placed on the wood and covered with plastic and left for 24 - 48 hours.  I can't recall the name of the product off the top of my head right now, but if you write back and ask for a private answer to an additional question, I'll make sure I get the name of the product for you then.  I've used it during a remodel in my home and I can vouch that it works when used as advised.

In the mean time, do a google search on the internet for what is called a belly band and measure your dogs according to the instructions when ordering.  This will stop them from marking, but you have to be consistent about using the belly bands when they're out and about in the house. You may have to use belly bands for awhile once they're neutered as that "desire" to mark won't disappear right away.

Don't forget to write me again for the name of the product I used on the wood underneath carpeting and if you have any further questions.  Let me add that I think you're to be commended for seeking answers to your problem and not just blaming the dogs.

Jo Ann