How to Stop a Dog from Urinating or Marking in the House

Saturday, March 15 - 10:00 AM CST

How do you stop a male dog from marking in the house? This common problem is a frequent reason why dogs end up in shelters. We'll talk with dog trainers to find out how to deal with this difficult problem and share some solutions that may work for you. Our guest, Barbara O'Connor, is a professional animal behaviorist and dog trainer for 35 years. She explains why dogs eliminate in the house and how to correct the problem. You won't want to miss this important episode of the Lucky Dog Show.

Special thanks to Barbara O'Connor, our guest on today's program. Barbara is an "Attitude Class" instructor at San Bruno Dog Obedience School in San Bruno, California. She is an animal behaviorist/trainer who, for the past 35 years, has been training people to train their dogs. She has taught obedience classes at San Mateo Dog Training Club, was head instructor at Woodside Dog Training Club, and was Obedience Instructor at Peninsula Humane Society. She was training consultant for the new book, "Your Adopted Dog."

Reasons for Eliminating in the House

• Physical causes/take to vet

• Age

• Size

• Previous conditioning/previous accidents

• Puppy mill puppies

• Changes in environment (new dog, new man/woman)

• Amount of time spent alone

• Weather - dogs don't like to be out in the rain any more than we do

• Fear/submissive peeing

Reasons Why Male Dogs Mark

• Establish territory

• Both pee and sniff to gain information. Dog who are walked through the neighborhood meet through urination. When they meet in person, they recognize that dog.

• They leave information about themselves (size, breed, sex, age, health)

• They can mark a person because they like you (include you in the pack)

• They have a need to control you or to show they dislike or distrust another person.

What to do

• All dogs want a leader, even the most dominant, pushy dog

• Don't let dog have run of the house until you've taught him/her where to eliminate. This way, the dog will tell you when he/she has to go.

• Use gates and crates to keep dog off carpeted areas.

• Walk dog before leaving and before bed to empty bladder

• Keep dog attached to leash after meals, naps, exercise (these are times when dogs usually have to eliminate). Watch for signs that your dog needs to go out: turning in circles, sniffing floor, whining, pawing you, walking toward door

• A large litter box -- lined with a piece of sod grass -- can provide a natural area where your dog can eliminate. When the grass gets used, replace it with another piece of sod.

• Covered area for rainy days

• Play games in yard/with doggie door/in kennel and potty areas. This should be a fun place to go/be.

• If your dog marks only when visiting, take all dogs (yours and any that may be there) out to pee when you first get to the strange house.

• Don't create high-voice, anxious energy when you come home. Just immediately go out with a calm demeanor and voice. Praise the dog when he/she eliminates, then it's time for playtime.

If you want to reach Barbara O'Connor, email her at

woofshoofs @ clab.net

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