Training and Behavior

Dog marking territory? Learn how to avoid it!

admin • 01 Jun 2023

A very common problem that pet owners face, especially with males, is territory marking. The dog lifts its leg and urinates anywhere, sometimes on that expensive piece of furniture that took you months to pay off in installments.

If you have to deal with the problem of dogs marking territory, be sure to read this post. We'll give you tips to avoid this behavior from your four-legged friend.

Why do dogs mark territory?

Animals tend to urinate in different places not only to empty their bladders but also to instinctively mark their territory. Just like their ancestors, they want to demonstrate that this is their space, and that they are the dominant pets. Do you know when we use certificates to show that we are the owners of a place? Dogs use urine for this.

For us, this behavior is strange and even a little disgusting. But for them, urine can reveal many things, as they have a very keen sense of smell. Dogs can find out if that place is frequented by another male and if there are any females in heat nearby.

Keep in mind that our furry companions don't think territory marking is wrong.

What to do to avoid this problem?

Even though this is normal behavior for dogs, it is possible to reverse the situation with some simple tips. See what they are below:

Neuter the pet

If you neuter your adventuring partner before he reaches sexual maturity, he won't feel the need to urinate at all. This can partially work with adult dogs, but you need to maintain strict training and follow our next tips to end the problem for good.

Draw attention

As we said, the dog does not think this is wrong behavior. Therefore, you must draw attention to the exact moment when he lifts his paw to urinate. Say o firmly so he understands it's wrong. Thus, he will realize that this attitude does not like you.

Always keep an eye on your best friend. Realize when he's sniffing a lot and walking around. That way, you'll be eady when he decides to make one of his art.

Indicate the right location

Every dog ​​should have its own place, with sanitary mats (or newspapers), to be able to do its business in the right way. If you see him wanting to urinate out of place, try to take him to his athroom immediately. Also use products like “pipi dog” and “pipi no” so that he can tell, by the smell, where he should pee and where he shouldn't. If he acts correctly, don't forget to reward him with affection and treats.

Take more tours

Our adventure companions usually relieve themselves by walking around. To increase the frequency of outdoor walks so they can explore new territories and stake out there (and not in your living room).

Seek expert help

In some cases, uncontrolled urination can mean more than just the need to dominate the spot. Some dogs may have illnesses that lead to this behavior, such as incontinence, separation anxiety, and panic disorder, among others. So, it's important to call an expert professional, who will do the right treatments with your furry friend.

Clear urine quickly

To avoid the lingering stench (and a new appointment in the same spot), clean up your friend's mess quickly. First, dry the area with a cloth. Then, apply a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and hot water to the area to eliminate the odor. Avoid cleaning with products that contain ammonia, as this encourages the dog to mark the spot again, as it is one of the components of urine.