Wetting everywhere

Question
We have a 14 year old Jack Russell that has started wetting in the house, mostly on my washing machine and clothes hamper, and on things outside that he didnt use to like the house, the basketballs by the pool, the new barbeque, where ever he feels like. He will look me in the face and just to spite me wet. I am not sure what to do. I am a very clean person and really can't handle things being peed on weekly, sometimes more often. I have been with his master for two years and Ed chose not to have Jack neutered when he was a puppy. We have tried everything we know of. Please, we need help.

Answer
Urine Territory Marking

Dogs are territorial animals and some may show desire to have their own area by urinating or defecating in particular places. True urine-marking is not a house soiling problem, but a territorial behavior. To get your dog over this undesirable behavior, it is important to understand why he is marking territory. As with most things, take the dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical issues that might make him have this behavior.

Territory marking behavior usually is usually small amounts of urine and primarily on vertical surfaces. Most male dogs lift their leg, but not all of them assume that posture. Unaltered males are far more likely to mark territory, and often claim new items that you bring into the house to stake their claim as quickly as possible. If there are other dogs in the house, the dog may feel compelled to establish dominance by urine-marking. Some males will also mark if the see or smell other animals in their perceived territory. Many males also mark frequently on walks to let other dogs know they have been through the area.

Sometimes neutering helps stop the territory marking, but if the pattern is well established that may not be a simple solution. There could be some conflicts between animals and even between the dog and the people in the home that are contributing to this behavior. Training would be a good solution to resolve these concerns. You can also restrict his access to doors and windows where he can see other animals outside.

To help resolve some of the concerns indoors, clean the marked areas thoroughly with something like Petastic or a similar enzyme cleaner that removes the stain and scent. Don't use strong smelling cleaners as these often trigger more marking behavior to refresh the spot and reclaim that territory. Dogs do not like to live where they eliminate so you can try to change the areas that he marks in to somewhere with a new purpose. For example, playing, feeding and treats in previously marked territory can change the behavior in those locations.

Watch your dog when he is inside for signs that he is thinking about urinating. When he begins to urinate, interrupt him with a loud noise and take him outside. If he urinates outside, praise him and give him a treat. When you're unable to watch him, put your dog in confinement like a crate or small room where he has never marked or you can put a leash on him so he is always right by you for better supervision.

You could also incorporate into your training the "No Free Lunch" non-confrontational leadership role where your dog needs to work for everything he wants from you. For example, he would need to sit before he got a treat, dinner or a toy. This leadership system is effective and can help enhance you relationship. There are lots of good examples of this on the Internet, or you can check with local trainers for more information.

Don't punish the dog after the fact. If you don't catch him in the act, any correction would be ineffective. Your dog isn't trying to be spiteful with this behavior, he is simply reaffirming his claim on the territory you share.


Good Luck.