Puppy Training Home > Dog Behavior > Territory Marking
Can Territory Marking be Stopped?
Your dog's territory marking may be an appropriate behavior in the wild, but when it occurs in your home, it's not only annoying but also destructive.
Even though your dog is a domesticated animal, he still has some of the instincts of a wild animal.
Territorial marking is an innate behavior through which your dog lets other dogs know about his presence.
This is how he tries to secure his hunting grounds and keep food supply all to himself.
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Indoors, a couch is the most common recipient of such dog's territorial marking. My guess is it's because a couch, especially the one upholstered with fabric, retains the smell much longer than something that is not as absorbent.
Often, territorial marking occurs when you have visitors, human as well as other dogs. This is to reinforce your dog's "claim" to his territory. Conversely, when your dog visits other people's house, he may lay claim to a new territory. Again, this has nothing to do with a need to urinate, just instincts.
Have you ever seen a dog urinate on somebody's leg? Yes, it happens in real life too! Again, this is an example of territory marking by a dog.
Because it's instinctive, territory marking is one of the most difficult behaviors to get rid of…
How to Deal with Territory Marking…
If you have a dog with "affection" for soft furniture and carpets, I recommend you get a good bacteria-destroying dog urine remover.
Never use ammonia or ammonia-based products to clean after your dog. Ammonia is a compound that is found in urine. Using it is like inviting your dog to continue eliminating in the same spot you just cleaned.
Also, don't use a regular household cleaner. It may remove a stain, but the smell will remain, even if you can't detect it.
Why is it so important to get rid of the smell?
Other than for the obvious reason, the smell of urine signals to your dog that this is his bathroom area.
By now, you may be wondering if you can do anything to discourage territory marking.
There are 2 solutions to stopping a dog from marking territory...
One is very radical and involves castration.
Visit dog neutering to learn more about this procedure.
The second solution is less radical, a lot less!
There are deterrent sprays that you can use in certain areas to keep your puppy (or adult dog) away.
Pet Organics No-Stay Furniture Spray consists of a harmless blend of natural herbs that makes treated surfaces undesirable to pets.
Depending on your dog, you may need to use it several times a day.
Of the two, dog neutering probably has the greatest chance of success but, like I mentioned earlier, it's a lot more radical. Consult your veterinarian before you make any decision.
Here is one more method for dealing with this behavior, but I don't recommend it...
Learn more about How to Train your Dog
While territory marking has nothing to do with a need to urinate, I think you may still find frequent dog urination page informative.
If you are not sure if your dog's urination is due to territory marking or he just needs more house training, I highly recommend you read this house training guide.
In my opinion, it's the best house training book. By the way, even older dogs may need to be house trained, and this book offers a lot of advice aimed at older dogs.
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