Behavioral problems

[ragl...@bellsouth.net]

I would like to welcome anyone to post questions about behavioral
problems that you're experiencing with your dog.

[suell...@aol.com]

My male Yorkie takes sporadic spells of "marking territory" in the
house. Is there such a thing as something to put on him during the
day that would keep him from hiking his leg? and if so, is that a bad
idea?

[ragl...@bellsouth.net]

I am excited that you joined and I'm even more grateful that you have
a behavioral question for me. I'm not familiar with any contraptions
to put on the dog to keep him from hiking his leg, but I can't say for
sure that there aren't any out there in this great big world. I've got
a couple of treatment plans written out for you and I want to give you
the best one for you and your dog, so I've listed a few questions for
you to answer. After that, I will post your treatment plan.

How old is your Yorkie?
Is he intact?
When he does "mark", is it just a few drops, or does he fully relieve
himself?
Does this only happen when he is home alone?
Does he ever defecate in the house as well?

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[suell...@aol.com]

He is 3 years, intact, fully relieves himself; we have never seen him
do it while we are there, and he does not defecate -- just the wet
stuff.

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[ragl...@bellsouth.net]

First, I would suggest that you have him neutered, but either way I'm
sure we can fix the problem. You will have to implement some
leadership exercises into your daily routine (ie: sit, sit-stay, down,
down-stay, wait, and come). I come out one day and demonstrate the
techniques if you want. Next, make sure all of the affected areas have
been cleaned with an odor neutralizer and be sure to not punish any
accidents. I've discussed the use of a crate with you and I know you
do not want to crate him, so I would have to suggest the use of a dog
exercise pen for him to stay in (temporarily) while no-one is home.
You will want to start with the exercise pen only allowing him minimal
room. After one week of him staying in the pen accident free,
gradually increase the amount of space in the pen every 3 to 5
accident free days. If he were to wet during this time, lessen the
area of the pen. Continue in this same manner until he has earned more
freedom. (Most of the time he is in the house with you, he should be
asked to perform some form of obedience .)
Also, there should be lots of down-stay work in any area he has marked
and he should eat his meals in those same areas.
If he seems to have a "favorite" area to mark, you could spray a dog
repellant on those areas.
Last, but most importantly, make sure he gets lots of exercise every
day (this always, always helps with obedience problems). Let me know
how it goes. Happy training!!