Owners have grown accustomed to their canines lifting their legs to mark trees and bushes during routine walks. The behavior is motivated by more than a mere need to urinate (and in some cases, defecate). It is a way to communicate territorial ownership. If it is only done outside, few owners would complain. The problem is that many dogs mark inside the home.

Below, we'll explain why dogs mark and the function it serves. We'll also explore why some do it within the home and how owners can effectively curb the behavior.

Part Of A Pack Mentality

As pack animals, canines are naturally driven to protect their territory. When they live together within their pack, their territory represents everything they need in order to perpetuate the clan. Specifically, that includes their mates and pups. Marking serves as a warning to others. It communicates to another animal that it has wandered into claimed territory. In effect, it is trespassing.

There are pheromones within a pooch's urine that are instantly recognizable to other canines. When a trespasser detects those pheromones, there is little question that another dog has marked the area. That said, canines will also use feces, scratches on the ground, and other signs to mark the ground or an object.

You'll occasionally notice your pooch marking territory that you have witnessed another pet marking in the past. This is common. The second dog (in this case, your own) is trying to claim the area of the first. This often becomes an ongoing dispute until one or the other eventually concedes defeat.

Why It Happens Inside The Home

If your pooch is marking areas within your home, his motivation is often triggered by the same instincts that lead him to do it outside: protection of territory. He likely understands his place in the hierarchy under your leadership. However, he may be confused or uncertain regarding his place in the presence of a new baby, other pets, or even guests in your home. That is, his marking is a derivative of claiming his territory.

Treating The Cause And Symptoms

Curbing the behavior may be as simple as spaying or neutering your pooch. If he's intact, there is a 50% chance that neutering will remove his motivation to mark an area - both outside and inside your home. If your canine is neutered and continues to mark, he may be concerned about the presence of unfamiliar dogs nearby. The most effective solution is to simply keep those canines away.

In rare cases, a pooch may mark an area within a home because he has an inflated perspective of his place in the household hierarchy. This behavior is usually accompanied by aggression toward his owner. In these type of circumstances, it is important to enroll the canine into a training program as soon as possible.

Marking is only a problem if your dog does it indoors. Whether due to stress, confusion, or aggression, understanding the behavior holds the key to curbing it.

Find the best Dog Treats and Dog Chews at http://www.bestbullysticks.com

categories: Dogs, Dog, Dog Training, Dog Owners, Dog Behavior

• Many Purposes Of Dog Collars by Moses Wright Though the main purpose of dog collars has been to hold the dogs license and attach a chain or leash, modern dog collars have many functions. Some dog collars are used in dog training while others have safety features to give the dog owner peace of mind......
• Proper Dog Illness Diagnosis by Moses Wright Dog illnesses cause a large variety of symptoms. When the dog owner tries to identify what is wrong with the dog, the symptoms can be misleading. Symptoms can be physical and behavioral. The dog may exhibit a behavior that a dog owner may not realize that the......
• A Dog Owners Guide by Emma Cox Over the years, pet owners have taken to indulging their companion animals. Due to this trend, there is a great improvement in the area of pet care and your pet can now enjoy the very best of services. While many of these pet pampering options may not......
• Innotek's FS-15: Good Dog by Rebeca Gilles A happy dog that doesn't bark is loved by everyone in a family. Barking non-stop at all times can get in anybody's nerves, and it's specially annoying for neighbors that don't own a pet themselves. What can a responsible dog loving owner do? Taking the dog to......

• Internet Marketing - How To Beat Google Adwords Pay Per Click Marketing can allow affiliates to create an almost automated way of making money online but for most, diving into the PPC world can see them breaking the break before they make a single sale. Unfortunately most people that begin PPC advertising do not have a thorough understand......
• Saving in 2007 on your pet costs, Part 2 Did you make a resolution this year to save extra money for reducing debt, building up an emergency fund, or investing?  One place to look might be pet expenses.  MSN has an article with 13 tips for keeping pet costs in check.  This post continues with the last seven tips......
• Tiffany Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts Tiffany lamps offer collectors a chance not only to find something valuable but also a collector’s piece that is functional and beautiful. If you are looking for a piece that will enhance your home as well as your bottom line, then this is definitely a collectible......
• Understanding the Pack Mentality of Dogs [/caption]One of the most famous phrases in dog training these days is to behave like the "pack leader." Why is this catching on so well? In principle, it's because this is the correct way to look at human-dog relationships. Dogs respond best when you are the leader of your household......

	Thoughtful Owners, Great Dogs: Canine Behavior and Training A Triadic Approach List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $12.68 Used From: $17.06
Want the best for your dog? Dr. Jim Akenhead talks to you like a Dutch uncle. He writes just the way he talks to the clients who come to his training center. He tells you what's going on in the world of dog training and how to get the best for you and your canine companion-all in an easy-to-read format...

	Pet Parade Dog Repeller and Training Aid List Price: $24.98 Sale Price: $8.99 Used From: $8.99
Eliminates barking and annoying behavior by emitting a piercing ultrasonic tone that pets hate, but humans can barely hear. Stop dogs from jumping, barking and biting.

Written by Morgan Leastoning using tags: dog, dog behavior, Dog Owners, dog training, Dogs, Pets