Marking

HI Lorna, its definately not separation anxiety. They dont mind being left on their own. Its really odd becuse we can nip out for 20mins, come back and there´l be splashes, but other occassions we can go out for several hours, come back and there´s absolutely nothing.
Its not getting any better. Ive tried all the suggestions below but none are working. im thinking of trying Pet Fresh as its been recommended by a behaviourist and she swears by it..........fingers crossed!!

hi i"m certainly no expect but the first thing that came to mind when reading your topic was separation anxiety from yourself (humans)not marking.
just a thought,and probably an avenue to look at.

Thanks Mary. I have caught them on the odd occassion, and done what you have suggested. It worked for about a week then went back to normal. The problem is catching who´s doing it, as most times it happens when we are out or sometimes when I go upstairs for a while. The occassions when I have caught them, it´s been one or the other. I haven´t tried the water and vinegar solution yet so I think I will give that a go and see what happens........

Thanx to Vena also - Diesel (eldest) has always been top dog, even before we used him as stud, and blade is always challenging him. I haven´t tried seperating them though so I think I will also give this a go........

Thanks for the advice guys, but keep it coming....lol

Hi Vikki,

This is rather a problem for you as you have two entire males,marking against each other constantly by all account´s and as you do not want them neutered,then you could try using the ´Supervision Method´ wherever you can and as much as you can.

It´s as follow´s below:

The Supervision Method is when you try to catch him/them in the act. Dogs learn (much as humans do) by operational conditioning. Watch your dog´s closely for when they starts exhibiting signs that they might be thinking of marking. Such signs can include sniffing, or circling in spots where they have marked before. When he starts to lift his leg make some noise to distract him and get his attention. Give him a clear "NO" command and divert his attention. If he really needs to pee, take them outside to play ball or something, and they will do it outside the house. If they wanted to mark the distraction will have changed their minds. Remember to be consistent every time you see them exhibiting marking symptoms, or attempting to mark.

In order to speed up the learning process be sure to lavish praise upon them when they pee where you want them to. Dogs learn fastest from positive responses to their behaviour.

Clean the spots where they marked, or pee´d thoroughly, but don´t use ammonia. Dog urine contains ammonia and instead of deterring them it will only make them think some other strange dog is leaving messages. Instead, use a solution of water and vinegar to wash the areas thoroughly.

If you don´t make too much of a fuss over the whole thing you can easily change your dog´s behaviour and get them to pee where you want them to, i.e. outside the house!

I hope that is of some help Vikki!...good luck!.

Untill recently ive always had two males, but never had this problem, you say they are entire, so if one has been used at Stud, he now sees himself as Top Dog,therefor marking his territory the other is challenging him, both being the same age.
l suggest you seperate them when you leave them.

vikki hopefully the girls on here will have soon great advice for you
do they have any other problems like this the rest of the time or is it just when you go out