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We use and
recommend
supplies for all your puppy needs!
Mars Coat King
Nature's
Miracle Stain & Odor Remover
Kalaya Emu Oil Shampoo
Super White Coat Brightener Shampoo by
Bio-Groom
Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate Gel Caps
(Walmart)
Four Paws Brewers Yeast with Garlic
Ear Cleaner
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Dog Urine Marking
Tips
Dog
marking is an instinctive behavior so it's a normal thing they
must do. A dog leaves its scent in urine to tell other dogs a
message; it could be about whose territory it is or is about the
dog's social order or advertising mating availability. Dogs also
use urine marking to show their dominance or to claim something
as belonging to them. Some dogs feel the need to lift their leg
and pee on all new things that enter your house, shopping bags,
visitor’s belongings, new furniture, children's toys etc. Dogs
with feelings of insecurity or who have separation
anxiety
may also mark, as territory marking builds the dog's confidence
and
petsafe.
Marking is definitely different from peeing. Dogs deposit
smaller amount of urine. Marking in the house is usually done to
an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of
furniture or new and unfamiliar objects like visitor belongings.
Many of
these dogs
are lacking in confidence and by marking new objects it makes
them feel more secure having deposited their own scent on these
objects. Dog urine marking is not a
toilet
training issue but rather an
issue concerning a whole range of instinctive behaviors.
Although male dogs are more likely to mark urine than females it
is not unknown for a
female dog
to scent mark too. Often a female dog coming into heat or during
it will mark to advertise her availability. A dominant female
will also mark while smaller breeds tend to pee in the house
more than larger dogs. Also two or more dogs living together in
the same house who regard each other as the competition are more
prone to urine marking. Urine marking can be a dominance issue.
First, prevention is better than cure, neutering and spaying
dogs at early age is the most reliable and effective way to stop
them from marking, but not infallible. Fixing them will reduce
the body’s natural chemicals and hormones that risen by sexual
heat. If you have an adult dog neutered, it may take a full year
for the male hormones to subside and stop controlling his
behavior.
Interrupting and breaking this habit is also an effective way to
stop and control. Give a close supervision to stop his/her
marking behavior. It may take some days and weeks to at least
minimize this behavior and really need intense supervision.
Also loud noise can startle and interrupt him from what he was
doing. A can or a plastic bottle with coins inside could help
divert his attention, when you see he is sniffing and circling
around a place or an object and then he start to raise his legs,
get his attention immediately followed by giving him command in
stern voice like “no pee”. Just be constant on interrupting and
supervising him, just do not rant or give punishment that will
make his insecure feeling more insecure. Regular reinforcing the
normal housebreaking routine will help those dogs who sudden
marking, praising him when he do his business on right place.
Bring him to his regular pee place whenever he starts marking.
If you see the problem is a newcomer, build the friendship
between your dog and the newcomer. Let the newcomer try to give
him treats or feed him, let them also have some time to play
together. For
new baby
or new pet, have some fun with your dog while newcomer is
around, create positive event between them.
Thoroughly cleaning his marking area inside the house is a must.
Dog may pee and pee all over again on that area so you must
remove the evidence of the crime completely. Use cleaners with
enzyme contents or 50/50 water and vinegar solutions to wash the
area, just avoid ammonia based products.
Also make his favorite marking place unattractive to him. Place
his eating bowl right on the place where he marks. Let his
respected things placed on that area so he will not mess it with
his marking. Belly bands are also effective solution to control
his peeing.
Some severe marking problems are fixed with
drug therapy.
Dogs with high level of stress or been on bad past like being
abused or other similar circumstances, drugs are proven to help.
Be sure to ask professional vets and learn everything about drug
alternatives and possible
side effects
before letting your dog in medication.
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We use and recommend
supplies for all your Westie needs!
