Marking

[Cat]

Hi,

My dog is seven years. In the past six months or so he has started marking in the house. It is usually in the hallway but has done it in the kitchen twice and I caught him attempting to mark on a shirt I had just ironed. I "ah!"ed and he stopped.

The problem is he usually does it when I am not around to see him, particularly in the morning when I am getting ready for work, despite the fact I let him out first thing.

I clean it up with vinegar or wee away.

I don't think it is anything health related as I had him checked out a year or two ago because he humps when he gets too excited then pees. Was told that he needs more stimulation. Have since been doing agility. Did obedience often but not so much now. (Doesn't do the humping much at all now)

I Was just away for a month and the OH said he didn't think he did as much in that time. (This is also why I think it is more behavioural) But then he did it twice today. First thing in the morning and then tonight when we came back from the in laws for dinner (dogs came with us)

Any ideas of what else I can do?

Thanks in advance.

Edited June 17, 2015 by Cat

[The Spotted Devil]

I don't worry too much about the motivation behind marking although it can be change/stress etc - just show him where you want him to toilet. Confined in a crate when you can't supervise, take him outside very regularly, give him a command to toilet and make a BIG deal when he does - Praise! Treat! Play! Once he gets the hang of this I'd use it as a reward for doing something - trick, control position, heel work etc. Works for my entire male!

Edited June 17, 2015 by The Spotted Devil

[Cat]

Thanks