Marking/Peeing

Question
We have found that our 7 yr old pitt/lab mixing has been marking by our cat's kitty litter box.  I can smell it and its frustrating.  I don't know where to start on stopping him.  We do have a 11 month old girl, and he is not quite used to her.  He has been with our cat since he was a puppy, so I don't know why he is doing it know, except maybe he wants to be the dominate one.  Please advise!!  Thank you.

Dacia

Answer
It could be that he is simply peeing where the cat pees. The cat pees there, why not him?

It may be as easy as moving the cat box to another area. Clean the old area and watch to see if your dog is still peeing in that area or if he goes to where the cat box is moved. Or the problem could be solved entirely.

If not, you'll need to go back to square one on housebreaking. Confine him when he can't be watched and restrict his access to areas where he is prone to inappropriate urination. Reward him when he goes outside and watch him like a hawk so if he goes in the wrong place you can stop him quickly and get him outside.

Also, have the vet do a urine culture, just to make sure there isn't something medical causing him to go for the easy pee instead of waiting for his outside time, in which case, he really is being a good boy peeing where the cat pees instead of anywhere and wherever.