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764201 tn?1245616265

Teritorial Marking (Urinating)

I am currently living with my parents (to save) and am being pressured into neutering my 3 y/o border collie mix due to his continuous need to mark his teritory by urinating on fake plants, corners of walls and beds, ect. There are also 2 cats (neutered male & spaid female) and a spaid Australian Shepherd in the house. I got him when he was over 6 months old and never got around to getting him neutered. First, we lived with my sister, her 2 kids and her spaid cat and he never had this problem until I moved in with my parents. In September we moved into a house w/ 2 other men and he never marked. Then when I recently moved back to my parents house, he is marking again. I'm being told that if I neuter him, the problem will stop. Also if I do not, he will get prostate cancer/urinary tract problems/ect.

So, my questions are; will neutering my 3 y/o border collie stop this behavior? Is it worth it? Could he have serious complications due to not being neutered? AND what can I do to STOP this behavior since it is only at my parent's house
8 Responses
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931697 tn?1246242383
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Definitely go ahead and have your dog neutered.  Years ago I had two intact male dachshunds who were marking in the house.  Just out of college I too didn't have them neutered but finally did in order to stop the marking. They were about 8 years old when I finally did it and it stopped the marking by about 80%.

Another option is to put upside down (pointy side up) carpet runner on the floor, where your dog has to stand to lift his leg against the plants and other objects.  He won't want to stand on the plastic points to do this and it will deter him from marking wherever the plastic is.

Third, you can have him wear a pair of "panties".  Use a pair of child's training pants with a hole cut for his tail. Or there is a company that sells a wrap - it looks somewhat like an ace bandage.  It does inhibit some dogs from lifting their legs.  I can't remember the name of it but if you google the term you will probably find it.

For inside activities when it is too hot - see Karen Pryor's clicker training book .  Not a whole lot of physical exercise but will keep him mentally occupied.  You can play hide and seek with him, (have someone hold his leash, then you hide in another room and call him), teach him to find a treat under one of 3 cups.  -- you be creative, think up games based on what he likes to do. Indoor fetch possibly, and nothing wrong with tug or war contrary to popular belief.
Helpful - 0
931850 tn?1283482291
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there,

Yes, I too live in Scottsdale, and I totally understand where you're coming from!  It's blazing hot right now!  I have two big, active dogs of my own who simply aren't getting enough exercise this time of year -- and it shows in their behavior.  I wish I had a better answer for you, but early morning or late night is really the only time you can go outside for exercise with your dog these days, and sometimes it's too hot even then!  Dogs need us to tell them when it's too hot, too, because they will keep playing right into heat stroke if we aren't watching out.  So, even in the morning or nights, it's up to us to look out for them, and make sure they don't overdo it.  For now, though, we're all just staying inside, making do with weekend or day trips to the mountains, and once the weather lets up, we'll get back outside.  

If you don't have enough space inside for exercise (which most of us don't), I know that there are some indoor "doggie day care" facilities around that have air conditioned play areas for dogs, and those are great for young social dogs.  They get lots of excercise playing with other dogs, AND they get to socialize more, which, if you're lucky, just might help some of your territorial issues as well.  You might look into something like that if you feel your pup needs some more activity during the hot months.  

Best of luck, and try to keep cool!  We'll be doing the same!  ;-)
Helpful - 0
685623 tn?1283481607
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back!   I understand your frustration...sometimes its easy to forget how difficult written communication can be when we can't see faces and listen to tone of voice.  I am sure that Dr. Humphries was capitalizing his comments in order to emphasis them and potentially you saw that as an admonishment (just my guess).

Let's focus on your pet!  I am going to try (no promises) and get some information from one of our veterinarians who shares your love of the HOT Arizona environment.  She has dogs of her own and I will see what her recommendations are for this time of year.

I will also check with a behaviorist and see if they can add to Dr. Humphries suggestions.  Obviously this little Border Collie has a high opinion of himself if he continues to mark so many places!!
Helpful - 0
764201 tn?1245616265
Also, yes he is "marking" but it's not a complete urination. I'm sure know what I am implying by that it's only a small amount...AND I noticed that when my Aussie urinates outside he will go over to the area and mark that...what do I do anout that? Disipline? Shock colar? Yesterday was hard since my sister decided to bring over her 2 dogs (females)
Helpful - 0
764201 tn?1245616265
Sorry, I was a little bitter due to my frustration and I felt like I was being told that I wasn't taking good care of my dog. Yes, his expertise did answer my question and I am grateful for that. Aagin I apologixe for my rudeness.

Perhaps another question...I live in Arizona where these days the temperature is reaching an excruciating 115. It's nearing monsoon season and the humidity is picking up as well. He goes in and out of the house as he please and there is a pool. Is there an type of activity I can do with him since taking him outside is not an option (it's usually roundin 100 degrees by 7am)
Helpful - 0
685623 tn?1283481607
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am a little confused...in your original posting you mentioned that the dog is marking (urinating) in your parents house and your recent comment says that he isn't peeing in the house.  

I agree with Dr. Jim's comments that neutering will have a beneficial effect, but it takes some "re-training" to let him know that it is not acceptable to mark in the house...thus Dr. Jim's comments about using stain/odor removers and trying to set up a good schedule for your dog.

It certainly does sound like you are taking good care of your dog, especially being concerned about playing outside in the excessive heat.   I am a little confused as to your last statement "so thanks but I already take good care of my dog"  Was your question not answered satisfactorily?

Helpful - 0
764201 tn?1245616265
He has a dog door so he goes outside whenever he wants. He isnt peeing in the house. He is extremely active in playing with the other dog. His favorite thing is playing fetch, but right now it's too hot (110 degrees) and since he's black, he gets really hot too soon. but there's also a pool for him to cool off in. So thanks, but I already take good care of my dog.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Neutering the dog will help, but it, By Itself, will not Fix your problem.  The dog is territorial marking which is location, smell and social oriented.  He "marks" there because of all the competing animals and smells.  

So YES, Neuter him immediately.  However, it takes 3 weeks for testosterone to get out of his body. During that time you will be establishing his new schedule and training plus cleaning up the house.

AND he will have all the same pressures to mark: Social, location and smell.  Therefore the only way this will be corrected is if you A) CLEAN all the urine marked areas with an enzyme stain and odor remover by label directions; B) block off access to many of these areas (remove fake plants, pull furniture over carpet areas etc.) and C) The animal population you have no control over - but walking, exercising, playing etc. with the dogs in a park etc. will make them a social group 'family' and make them tired!  Tired dogs are good dogs.  

Now for schedule.  ALWAYS take your dog out many times a day on a schedule.  Every morning when waking, after eating, after playing, after chewing, before going to bed at night.  This establishment of schedule IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO.  

Some people find that Crate Training, then Crating the dog when unsupervised works very well.  I have done this for years and have very little problems with 4 competing dogs in the house.  Google Crate Training and learn all you can about this.  I do suggest a wire kennel and not a travel type kennel for this purpose.  

There are VERY few complications with neutering as long as it is done by a reputable veterinarian.  
Helpful - 0

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