24 mth Standard male puppy

Question
QUESTION: He has done great on house training for months.  The other day he wet in the living room.  He just started lifting his leg and I think he lifted it.  I am real bummed about it for he has been so good.  What do you suggest?  I am worried he will start lifting his leg in the house.  He has not been neutered!  Do you think that would make a difference. Thanks

ANSWER: He is maturing and claiming his territory and rank in the pack.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

However, you may be knocking your head against a stone wall if you don't go ahead and neuter him, the sooner the better.  It often makes a dramatic difference.  It also reduces his chances of cancer later in life.  He won't go berserk when there is a female in season upwind.  He will still be your fine companion, just without some of the problems.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for answering me!  I goofed when I told you he was 24 mths.  He is 14mths.  We had also had company that week-end with a 2 yr old and he was in his crate more and didn't get his usual attention.  We also have a 5 yr old male standard.  

Answer
None of that changes my answer much except I thought 24 months was a little old to start lifting the leg.  Two unneutered males in the same house is asking for marking problems.  

By the way, do you know Poodles are prized as service dogs for people with dog allergies?  Here is a link to a meeting of people raising puppies for a dog guide school, http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/breedsofdogguidepuppies.jpg

Other links, http://www.jagerslatijn.nl/jagerslatijn/poodle.htm
http://www.vipoodle.org/