"Please don't defecate in the open!" A slogan like this will probably frighten a group of people now, but the civilization of the pet world is not developed enough, and the problem of defecating in the open is really a big problem. How should you choose between your beloved floor, sofa, bed, and beloved dog? Are you worried about this? Turning a blind eye obviously cannot solve the problem.

Whether they are female or male, dogs all have this marking behavior. They communicate age, gender and status through pheromones in their urine, leaving their own "business cards". The dog's urine can cover the unfamiliar smell in the new environment, making the surrounding smell like home, making them feel more secure, and other intruders will not dare to approach other dogs' territory easily. But dogs peeing everywhere is also one of the symptoms of urinary tract disease. If your dog shows these symptoms, take him to the doctor as soon as possible to determine whether he is sick. If not, it may be that the dog lacks effective training or cannot find a suitable place.

"Enclosure" mark, instinctive

This kind of territory marking behavior is a primitive animal instinct, just like people defending their national territory from infringement. In the past, wild dogs needed to occupy a large enough territory to survive and would not expend energy protecting unnecessary areas. Within their own territory, they will vigorously guard important places of the group, such as feeding houses and nests. However, the ultimate life goal of the group is to find food and water and reproduce, so if necessary they will choose to leave the marked territory rather than engage in a physical fight with the eager intruders. Because marking itself requires an investment of effort, they only mark where necessary (very wise). Animals use pheromones in their urine to communicate and give their enemies the greatest shock, so the marking work is mainly done by the most ferocious wild dogs in the group. Marking has become an effective way to avoid intrusion by dissidents.

Today's pet dogs live together with complex social groups such as humans. They seem to be trying to find a practical compromise - one that can satisfy their instinct to protect their territory without daring to think outside the box due to psychological and physiological limitations. Dare to do it. In this case, smart dogs usually mark places where they feel comfortable.

Generally speaking, the more complex the environment and the less secure dogs feel, the more likely they are to mark, often on familiar things. Therefore, many confident dogs will only urinate on the tires of other people's cars. On the contrary, the more vulnerable dogs may mark other people's things, or even urinate directly on other people's bodies - this is so embarrassing!

Medical problems or behavioral problems or emotional problems?

From a medical perspective, growth hormone deficiency, urinary tract infections, or other conditions that cause dogs to drink more water (such as diabetes) can cause dogs to pee in bed. Once the dog urinates on the bed, the smell in the urine will guide them to continue peeing there, and the bed is no longer a bed, just like a WC...

On the other hand, behaviorally speaking, it is assumed that the dog marks because there is some kind of threat in the owner's absence. So the dog peeing on the bed is saying: "Go away! Go away! Do you want to fight?" In fact, dogs marking their owners' rooms are conveying the opposite meaning. They do not want to fight at all and want intruders. Go away. Frightened dogs will mark many times every day, their adrenal gland blood cortisol will increase, and their immunity will weaken.

In addition, the close relationship between the owner and the dog often leads to the dog having a strong emotional change towards the owner's bed. Almost all cases of dog marking on the bed occur in dog-centered households where the dog feels obligated to protect the territory. So marking behavior in dogs can indicate a problem with their body, behavior, or relationship with their owner. The owner should care for them in time and take certain measures. If you yell at the top of your voice or throw up your arms and fight, it will only make the problem worse.

How to eliminate dog marking behavior

Here are some simple and effective ways to eliminate your dog’s marking behavior

1. Sleep in the box

Where dogs sleep is related to their status. Resting in the owner's bed means that the dog has equal status with the owner, which makes them feel amazing. It is best to keep the dog away from the bed and furniture. If the dog is disobedient, let them sleep in a box in the kitchen during the behavior correction period!

　2. Activities

Most dogs are born with certain abilities and this trait persists during the breeding process. So you might as well give your dog something to do, including playing games. Training them to open doors and sit when petted or spoken to increases their sense of security and bond with their owners.

　3. Train YES and punish NO

Punishment is sometimes not effective. You should gradually change your relationship with your dog and build your authority. The dominance relationship between owner and dog is very important. It is necessary to carry out positive and humane obedience training for dogs, and ask them to carry out commands frequently. Doing so not only clearly demonstrates the owner's dominance, but also gives dogs who are bored, lonely, or anxious during the day something to look forward to. want food,Toys and petting, just let them execute one or two commands first! There is no free lunch in the world.

4. Close supervision

If your dog is found urinating at home, place them under house arrest for four to six weeks. Put a leash on them and tie them where you can see them, or put them in a crate. No exceptions allowed! (Be cruel even if you can’t bear it, remember!)

5. Perform sterilization surgery

Neutering can effectively prevent marking behavior in dogs. It is best to perform surgery before the dog reaches adulthood or enters estrus (usually six months). If neutered too early, the dog will not learn marking behaviors. Many veterinarians note that neutered dogs are healthier, happier, and have better behavior. If the dogs are neutered after they reach adulthood and their behavior needs to be corrected, it will be more troublesome. If your dog is acting aggressive, be careful to prevent your dog from marking during walks.

6. Remove the odor

It is very important to remove the odor from the areas your dog has marked. Be sure to spray a special odor remover on all areas your dog marks. Pee may seep into the cushions under the carpet, so remember to clean the cushions as well, or replace them altogether. If you use common household cleaning products such as ammonia, the odor left behind may cause your dog to mark. There are many specialized pet odor removers available in stores. Article source: Remi Gao Pet Official Account