For most dogs, urine marking usually begins around the time they reach sexual maturity, which can be between 6 and 12 months of age, depending on the size and breed of dog.
Male dogs and some female dogs often lift a leg when they urine mark. Most urine marks contain only a small volume of urine. In contrast, routine urination is done to empty the bladder—we all need bathroom breaks.
According to the North American Veterinary Community, as many as 50% of male dogs stop urine marking, or at least do it significantly less often, after being neutered. What is this? Dogs usually begin urine marking when they start to reach sexual maturity.
Your dog may be peeing in unwanted spots to mark their territory, or it could be submissive urination, in which a dog pees as a response to fear or anxiety. Before doing anything else, take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for the behavior.
Although all dogs can spray, most situations where this problem occurs is when a dog has not been spayed or neutered. Male dogs who are reproductively intact may spray to ward off other competitors while females will spray before or during the time they are in heat.
Since marking is a normal behavior for dogs, it is impractical to expect to eliminate all marking behavior when your dog is outdoors. Dogs are particularly likely to leave their urine messages in places where other dogs have urinated, and when entering a new environment.
Not only will a vinegar and water solution eliminate urine odor if your dog has already peed on the rug, but it will also deter them from urinating on the same carpet again. The acidic smell of vinegar is known to repel dogs from peeing on area rugs as they do not like the smell of vinegar.
Both male and female dogs engage in territory marking. It usually starts when your puppy begins to sexually mature at around 6 months. If your puppy has started to mark their territory, it's a sign that they're growing up (and fast). Of course, we know that this little habit is annoying.
Urine marking is most common with sexually intact male dogs, but intact female dogs and neutered dogs may also mark. Underlying medical reasons for inappropriate urination, such as urinary tract infections, should be ruled out before a diagnosis of marking behavior is made. Neutering can often resolve the problem.
Please also bear in mind that marking is normal dog behaviour and we should never punish our dogs for it. Instead take steps to reduce it by ensuring your dog has a stress-free, healthy life and lots of opportunities for learning and fun.
Neutering is a reasonably safe process; however, you can expect sharp changes in your dog's attitude right when you bring them home from the procedure. These side effects can range from increased aggression, depression, anxiety, or even clinginess; however, they only last for a short amount of time.
Q: When I walk my dog, he seems to save up urine to mark his territory. Is this even possible? A: Not only is it possible, it's more than likely exactly what he's doing. I know it seems as though dogs shouldn't really be able to think like this, but our canine friends are remarkably wise – or at least instinctive.
Typically, when a dog is marking it is a small amount of urine in several places. These places may be random, or they could be in a favorite spot. Dogs can mark for many reasons; the two most common are to show ownership on what they consider their territory and anxiety.
Many (but not all) dogs hate the smell of citrus, so using citrus smells like citronella, lemongrass, lemon, and even bergamot can repel some dogs from an area. You can use these smells in scented candles or sprays to see if it keeps your dog away from an area where you don't want them peeing.
Machine-washable items. Add a one pound box of baking soda to your regular detergent and wash as usual, air drying if possible. If you can still see or smell the soiling, wash again with an enzymatic cleaner—these break down pet waste odors.
Common reasons dogs lick include showing love and affection, marking their territory, healing a wound and relieving stress.
Citrus scents top the list of smells your dog probably hates. The scent of lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits is strong and unpleasant for your dog. For this reason, you can use citrus scents as a dog repellant in off-limits parts of the house. Their noses are irritated by the strength of citrus.
Baking soda, vinegar, and enzymatic cleaners are all effective at removing the odor. In some cases, you may want to avoid steam cleaning fabrics, as it can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
Sometimes dogs use urine to mark objects, including your bed. Studies have shown dogs don't mark to claim territory, it's more like graffiti that says, “I was here.” So, they aren't telling you the bed belongs to them but are more likely adding their scent to a communal space.
The reason puppies hold on outside and then pee immediately once they get back in is that the house is their happy place and the yard is not. As soon as they come inside, their parasympathetic tone increases and only then do they feel the urge to urinate. Your job is simple in theory: make outside a happy place too.
Dogs also “express” their anal sacs when they are scared, which is perfectly normal, if a bit odorous. Anal gland secretions have a distinct smell that many people describe as fishy.