Marking by adolescent minsch

[PaulineV]

My little guy, Shelby, is about to turn 21 mos. Recently he has been marking in homes when we visit friends.? Could this be a problem with his age or do am I dealing with something more serious?? Whenever we go anywhere, I have to keep an eye on him 100% because that little leg goes up so easily.
He is a great pup -- has all the attributes of a typical Schnauzer.? But he is going to have to be house bound if I cannot resolve this problem.

Pauline V

[Emmett]

Hello Pauline and welcome to our Miniature Schnauzer Message Boards!

The first thing we need to clarify is that marking and peeing are completely unrelated in a dog's mind.? And although both females and males share this primitive animal behavior, it is more frequent in males and cannot be stopped by training. It is a natural behavior that comes with puberty and, sadly, there isn't much you can do to stop it. Neutering helps and if done at an early age (before 5 months) there is a much greater chance of having a dog that doesn't mark- simply because you are removing the problem (hormones) before it is 'activated' by puberty.? If you have them neutered at 6 months or later it will still help the problem but, being in the doggie daycare and boarding business, we've seen many, many neutered males that still mark to different degrees.

So the question is: has Shelby been neutered?? If he has then you have done all you can do at this point, and if he hasn't been neutered, you can and should have it done, as it will help the problem and also greatly reduce his chances of getting cancer later in his life.? Regardless of whether he has been neutered or not you do have at least one option.? There are special pads made for male dogs that basically act as a diaper to prevent him from hitting the intended target.? Even though you can't train him to stop marking, letting him know that you are not Ok with it will at least stop him when you catch him in the act.

Emmett? ? :poopin

[PaulineV]

Thanks, Emmett, for your response.
Yes, Shelby is neutered.
I have the pads and had forgotten all about them.
He'll be wearing them from now on whenever we visit friends.
That'll show him, huhh?