dog peeing on kids beds

Question
I recently found our 10 month old yorkie/shihtzu peeing on my childrens beds, especially my sons.
I thought a first it was because we removed all the carpets from the house and he found them soft to pee on but recently my son was sick and spent a few days on the couch. The dog than peed on the area he had spent the few days. could this be a dominance issue with the kids? Will neutering change this behavior? I find he growls alot at them even though I scold him when he does it.
Help, i would really like to keep him but I don't want him to become aggressive with kids.    

Thanks

Answer
Hi Nancy,

Thank you for writing to me about your 10 month old yorkie/shihtzu.

I think that you have answered many of your own questions.  Yes, definitely have him neutered. It will help with what is called "marking."  Your puppy has developed into a teenager and his testosterone is surging.  Have it done as soon as possible before the behavior becomes a set pattern in his brain.

You must also wash all areas where he has marked with something like odoban.  

Working with a trainer on the dominance issues would be highly recommended.  This is a crucial time to re-establish the pecking order in your home before someone gets bitten.

Let me emphasize that this is not your dog's fault.  He is doing what dogs do...trying to be top dog and following his hormonal path..this is all very natural in the pack.  It is up to his human family members to learn how to take charge of the situation in a positive manner, not through scolding or hitting.  Aggression begats aggression.

Ask your vet to recommend a trainer who uses positive reinforcement.  After working seriously with a trainer you should end up with the dog of your dreams.

What you put into training your dog now, will last his entire life.

Additionally, be sure that he is getting enough exercise.  This means at least a vigorous 1 hr walk a day.  If you can enroll him in puppy daycare after his neutering, this would be excellent for him.  A tired puppy is a good puppy!

Lastly, do not play aggressive oriented games with him such as tug of war. This only encourages aggression.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis