Dog marking territory in the house
Since you lot seem to have an answer for everything (in a good way!), I've recently had a problem with my dog squirting up against stuff in the house and was wondering why he is doing it and what I can try to get him to stop.
This is a "new" problem, the dog has just turned 8 and hasn't done anything like this in the 5 years I've had him, but the last week he's marked the TV stand (dangerously close to the HTPC), sofa, cooker and probably a few other places I haven't noticed yet.
I have been redecorating the living room lately, I've heard dogs don't respond well to their familiar surroundings being disturbed, so that's something that could be causing it. But saying that I've been doing stuff for the last 3 weeks or so and he's only started this week.
Some other facts (in case they are relevant):
He is home alone most days while I'm working 7:30-5:30, the Mrs is sometimes there when she's working nights as well.
I have another dog as a companion (sister from the same litter).
They have a dog flap so can freely use the garden whenever they please
He's still got a full bag of nuts
He's fit as a fiddle and full of energy
Border Collie/Springer Spaniel cross
I'm getting a new carpet & sofa before Christmas, so really don't want this to become a habit!
Any thoughts?
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
See a vet. Take lots of money :(
Had a recent problem with our cat soiling. Turned out to be a medical cause, now he has stopped. Cost something like £250 in blood tests, injections etc.
We thought it was all in his furry little head, but apparently not.
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Think I\'ll do that, I just assumed it was behavioural, but the sudden starting could point to something medical as you say.
Hopefully the insurance will cover it..
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Is he doing it all the time or has he just marked each area once since you have decorated?
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mother
Is he doing it all the time or has he just marked each area once since you have decorated?
I've only noticed 3 incidents. One on the TV stand, one on the sofa and one on the cooker (different room obviously), he hasn't done it again on the same spots. Sure I'll have an update when I get home this evening, going to hunt around and see if there's any more.
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Might just be a one off tbh?
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Re: Dog marking territory in the house
Ha, well that certainly is the "simple solution", don't think it'd be appreciated though ;)
Well, there's been no new puddles over the weekend so it is looking like a one-off. By extraordinary chance, I happened to talk to a friend-of-a-friend vet on Saturday and she said that it sounds like he's just re-marking his patch, probably because of the change in surroundings or maybe that he can smell another dog. The neighbours have just got a massive French Mastiff that's probably throwing my boy off.