Prevent and stop indoor scent marking with these steps.
What is scent marking?
Scent marking is a very normal and common behavior that is not usually an issue when it is done outdoors. But it becomes a big problem if your dog marks in the home. Both sexes scent mark, but unneutered males are usually the worst offenders because testosterone stimulates signaling of sexual availability and claiming of territory.
Resources such as toys, food bowls, chew treats, bones, and beds are the most likely objects to be marked, and in some cases, a dog will actually mark a person or something that smells heavily of that person, such as a sofa or bed. Scent marking is also more common in multi-dog households where dogs compete for space, resources, and human attention.
While you are addressing scent marking, make sure your dog is house trained and knows to eliminate outdoors. Also, if your dog has just started scent marking after demonstrating a period of appropriate elimination outdoors, take him for a full medical checkup to rule out any medical issues.
How can I stop my dog from scent marking indoors?
- Remove high-value resources that encourage competitive marking.
- Do not allow the dog or dogs that scent mark to roam freely around the home. Confine them to a room or safe area when you can’t supervise.
- Prevent access to favorite marking spots, especially when you are unable to actively supervise your dogs. You can use gates, x-pens, or a crate, but don't leave dogs in small, confined areas for too long.
- Avoid competitive or vigorous play indoors, as excess activity encourages urination.
- If a dog is about to mark, interrupt the behavior with a gentle vocal interrupter and immediately direct him outside.
- Clean all accidents with a cleaner formulated for pet waste.
- Consider having your dog wear a belly band, which is a wrap placed around the dog so that any urine stays in the wrap. This is not ideal but can save you a good deal of clean up while you are working with your dog.
- Take your dog to new and different areas on walks. This will encourage him to mark outside rather than in the home.
- In many cases, neutering can significantly reduce the desire to scent mark, but if a dog is a serial scent marker before neutering then surgery might not reduce the behavior completely.
- Boredom and lack of mental stimulation and physical exercise can exacerbate marking behavior, so be sure your dog gets the appropriate amount of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Be consistent and patient. With a daily schedule of activities, good environmental management, and timely redirection, you can be on your way to a cleaner home.
