dog behavior problem -

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a large dog - he's a doberman/wolf mix. He is about five and a half years old, he is neutered, and has been housetrained since he was a puppy. I've always let him in the house at night (and sometimes in the daytime, or if it's raining out). About a year and a half ago a friend/neighbor of mine moved onto a houseboat and his female/unspsayed dog started staying here with us most of the time. (she goes to his shop with him during the day when he is working) She is housetrained also and they both come in at night. shortly after she started staying here, my dog began hiking his leg and "marking my furniture. He knows he is not supposed to because as soon as I notice it he cowers and goes to the back door, as he knows he will be put outside. Also, he won't do it if I'm in the room - he sneaks and does it when he knows I won't see him. I've even made him stay ouside all night a few times, hoping that would make him stop, but nothing works - he just keeps doing it. When I let them in at night now They have to stay in the kitchen because I just can't let him keep destroying my furniture. But now he has even peed in the kitchen a couple of times. What can I do to get him to stop this!
Answer -
Hi, how old was your dog when he was neutered, and are you his original owner?  If you aren't the original owner of the dog, having his past history i.e. how many homes he's been through etc. might help me to help you solve this problem.

Dawn

I am the original owner, I've had him since he was a puppy (about 10 weeks old) and he was neutered when he was one year old.
Heidi

Answer
Hi, hormones in a dog start really working around 6 months of age, when nature starts to get them to mark their territory and also mate with another dog if they are capable.  Since he was neutered at around 1 yr., it sounds like he learned about marking before he was neutered, so he is following his instincts and marking because he has an intact female living with him.  Unfortunately it is a very hard thing to correct, and you have to basically go back to basics as far as potty training him to get the marking under control.  The best thing to do when you are gone is crate him, and when you are home, keep a strict eye on him so if he does do it, you can catch him in the act and reprimand him for it then.  The best solution to this problem is to see if your friend will get his female spayed.  It might help alleviate this problem.  If he won't, then I would start crating him anytime you can't keep an eye on him.  Hope this helps, and good luck.

Dawn