Here's Why Your New Dogs Mark Your House

There’s nothing more off-putting than walking into your clean once-fragrant home to be greeted by the reek of dog urine. Dogs urinate for a number of reasons and, for your own sanity, it’s best to consider them and take action.

• Marking territory – dogs are territorial by nature and the instinct to mark territory will have no respect for your new pastel couch or freshly painted wall. If he thinks it’s his then he will put his name on it, so to speak.
• Fear/anxiety – a new dog that is unfamiliar with his new house and family- pets included- may pee every time he feels threatened or insecure. It pays to make a special effort to reassure him and make him feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
• Ill-health – a dog that seems to pee indiscriminately may have an underlying health issue. Kidney problems may cause him to urinate constantly.
• Simply having a full bladder and not being able to relieve himself if, for example, he is kept indoors and not allowed out, may cause him to simply let go in the house.

If your dog is territorial it may be time for boundaries. If he pees on the couch, prevent him from lying on it for a few days. This will show him that it is actually yours and not his and might prevent him from marking it. If you suspect that your dog may have a health issue, let the vet assess him. There may be a simple cure. One of the best and most common treatments for a constantly marking dog, is to have him/her neutered or spayed. This often causes a marked reduction in spraying.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay