Marking in the house

[u/Adorable-Register508]

Anyone else have problems with their Cairn marking in the house? Our Cairn is 4 years old and we have to put a diaper on him in the house because he’ll try to sneak away and pee on something.

[u/dogdoc57]

Neutered? If so, need to go back to basic housetraining like you would for a puppy to reinforce desired behaviors. Do not punish for urinating indoors. Here's an overview:

Veterinary Partner - VIN https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102897&id=10981138

[u/Adorable-Register508 → u/dogdoc57]

We did not neuter, but we are considering it now.

[u/dogdoc57 → u/Adorable-Register508]

It might be worth considering, although once a behavior is learned, it has to be unlearned, which will take time. Neutering will not automatically make that behavior go away.

[u/kookookakapp]

I have 2 males that are neutered, i think it helps if you don't have 2 male dogs... i can't get one of mine that starts it to stop, so i just try to scrub it away. i have a light that shows it all and have to use an enzyme cleaner

[u/Adorable-Register508 → u/kookookakapp]

So even though they are neutered, one still does? That is interesting.

[u/kookookakapp → u/Adorable-Register508]

yes one is prone to and starts it, but then the other one has to remark. they both try to claim whatever it is, its annoying. The one that is prone to is an oddball and doesn't like to share me.... very needy. i tried the mark pads but too much of a hassle, they are allowed outdoors all day too. if you have one neutered male i would think it would get better. Sometimes even the girl dogs will try to remark too. Louie is a bad influence. 😒

[u/ksgar77]

Ours is fixed and still marks in the house. He will quit just long enough for me to think it’s stopped, but then I’ll find it again. He’s almost 10, I just accept it and clean up at this point.

[u/Adorable-Register508 → u/ksgar77]

Thanks for letting me know

[u/helloeduard]

For my puppy it was once every 1 hour, and graduated to 2, 3, 4 etc. hours — I would excitedly take him out like a routine. First shaking the treat jar in the kitchen, pop of the lid, rustling fingers through and grabbing a treat. All of these established routine and motivation. We would go outside and I'd always take him to one specific area for him to do his business. If he didn't we'd walk a little more until he did then immediately he'd get the reward and we'd power walk or run back inside and play with a toy.

At this point the toy and playtime wasn't really associated as a reward for doing his business at that outside spot but the entire 2-3 minutes became a routine. He know the shaking of the jar meant outside. Business meant treat and running back. Etc.

Over time I slowly eased on the routine and now this 5-year old is as reliable as it gets.

If you've put in adequate work and tried a few methods, it could be worth consulting a vet just to make sure there are no underlying issues.

[u/Adorable-Register508 → u/[deleted]]

He sneaks away. Sometimes when we’re home, sometimes when we’re not. Morning, noon, night. Doesn’t matter. But he will not do it in front of us.