5yr old male STILL marking EVERYTHING

Question
Hello, we are the proud owners of Hulk, our 100lb lovable American Pit Bull Terrier. He is great with the children, well tempered and I have to admit a nice security system. However he has always had an issue with urinating on everything in our backyard. Up until we had kids, it wasn't that big of a deal. But now I have to clean and sanitize all the toys, the swingset and their bikes every time we go out back. It is getting to the point where my husband and I are regretfully considering giving him to a breeder since he's papered, just so our kids can have a yard to play in again. But we love him so much and this is weighing so heavy on our minds. We tried taking him for extra walks and showing the spots to him and scolding him, but he just keeps on. We've even thought about a shock collar to use when we catch him urinating on something. What else can you recommend? Please help!

Answer
Neutering will help but you'll also have to break the habit. You will also have to catch him in the act and scold him. Showing him the spots later does no good. Dogs just don't think that way. So that means diligence will be necessary on your part.

You can also try designating a potty spot for him. It should be about 10x10 feet and you will have to personally take him to it and treat and praise him when he goes there each time as well as scolding him when he goes where you don't want him to. Eventually he'll automatically go to that spot to relieve himself.

Marking territory though is a dominant male dog behavior. You may need to reassert your dominance over him in addition to catching him in the act and scolding him. You do this by making him earn all of his pets, food and treats. Make him sit and wait while you get his food ready and don't let him eat it till you say. Make him let you go through doorways first and make him get up and get out of your way once in awhile. Don't greet him first when you come home, ignore him and greet the rest of the family first then call him over and not allowing him on furniture will also help. If you're the top dog, it's your job to pee on stuff, not his. But if he's not neutered and he catches a whiff of a lady dog down the road, he'll still be driven to mark regardless.

I think this three-pronged approach (neutering, behavior modification and pack leadership) will handle your problem and you can keep Hulk.