Marking His Territory?

[Joypod]

Hi all,

I haven't posted for a while but would really like some advice about something that just happened.

Gus, my 2 year old Frenchie, just wee'd on the floor in the bedroom. He's house trained and knows not to wee inside.

Background info: We got a kitten about 6 weeks ago who's obviously been getting a lot of attention. She sits on the couch and sleeps on the bed. Gus is allowed on the couch but only if he's invited up.

Gus and Hyacinth (kitten) have worked out a fairly amicable existence and seem to enjoy playing with each other. So, just before, I was in the bedroom and Hyacinth was in the corner with Gus doing play bows in front of her. Then he comes over to me (i'm sitting at the dressing table) and does a few play bows to me. I give him a bit of a pat then turn around to continue doing what i was doing when i hear him wee'ing on the floor. He's standing in the middle of the room, looking at Hyacinth (which i think is significant) and doing a big wee.

My gut feeling is that he was saying to her, this is MY house and this is MY person. Look what I can do!

Am i making the right assumption... and what should I be doing to stop it from happening again?

thanks for any ideas lovely people.

[corvus]

Personally, I think you're reading too much into it. I think that often when dogs that are presumed housetrained urinate inside it is in response to stress or anxiety. That goes for marking especially. To me, getting a new animal is a prime candidate for causing the kind of anxiety that results in urinating indoors, even if they are getting along. I would just give them all a chance to settle in, make sure Gus is getting plenty of attention from you, and see if it keeps happening.

Other reaons are illness or in Erik's case, being a pansy about going out in the rain. OR, another animal has gone in the same place. Sure the kitty didn't go there?

[sausy.dog]

I don't think that sounds like marking. When dogs mark they only wee small amounts. A big wee just sounds like he needed to go to the toilet so went there and then.

[Ons]

I thought I was the only one in the world with a cat called Hyacinth

as for the weeing, I think if he is marking he is more likely to wee on something, I think just in the scheme of things he may have just forgotten to go outside.

[persephone]

Doesn't sound like marking to me either----

[Joypod]

Thanks everyone! As always, very helpful, insightful responses.

I think the poor boy must have just needed to go and was too caught up in the moment to get himself outside.

I'll make sure he's getting plenty of love and attention.

And onsntillnflash, we thought Hyacinth went well with Gus and Daisy... name wise.

Thanks again.

Edited May 2, 2010 by Joypod

[Xyz]

I have used DAP diffusers and/or collars to help with great success if he does mark.