Can I stop dog from 'marking' territory?

Staff Writer
New Jersey Herald

I board pets in my house. I am a pet-sitter. Every time the dogs leave, my dog starts "marking his territory" all around.

Is there a way to make him stop this behavior?

If your dog is not neutered, that would be the first step. A neutered dog would be much less likely to mark territory. If you dog is neutered, it will require behavior modification. There are several products made to eliminate the odor from other dogs as well as the odor left by your own dog marking. They will often mark the same locations as they have marked previously. Therefore, eliminating the smell of your dog's urine from the carpet is very important. Also, reprimand your dog when you catch him marking. The reprimand is only effective if you catch him in the act. There are "belly bands" available that you can put on your dog after the other dogs leave the house. They act as a diaper, stopping the smell from reoccurring.