HELP! We have two Chihuahua mixes . . . both male and both neutered. We adopted the Jack in October of 2008 and Rufus in February of 2009. We know that male dogs mark and that there would be a "break-in" period with the new addition. I stay at home, so I am able to take them both out 6-7 times each day. Rufus does go outside when I take him out. He seems to do most of the marking at night when we're asleep, when we're not home (which isn't very often), or when we're busy in another part of the house. It is definitely Rufus doing the marking and, to this point, Jack has not joined in. We're already going to do the first round of steam-cleaning for our carpet tomorrow. Ugh. We clean the spots immediately with the appropriate cleaners. When we got Jack last year, he marked for the first week or so and then figured it out. We're now getting close to two months with Ru and he's marking just as much as always. Outside of keeping him on a leash or in a crate, what else is there to do? Any help would be much appreciated!

Sorry for not answering the question as you may want. But why not invest in a crate? I own two Rottweilers and I crate them at night even though they are 18 months old now and they never had an accident in their crate. Crating in your case, may be only temporarily, until the dog understands that urinating is not allowed.

I am thinking of the crate more because there is really not much you can do when dogs engage in prohibited behaviors when not watched. The dog has learned that when he pees at night nothing happens and very likely will continue to do so. Another option is perhaps keeping him in your bedroom so he knows that you are nearby and hopefully will not urinate because you are there to correct him.

Ive had this problem myself with Pooh. He just turned a year old Monday and he is marking in my bedroom. We thought at first it may gad been because of the cat which sometimes stays in since he was marking in the areas where the cat had rubbed up against. Tonight we came home from dinner and he had marked on a basket of our dirty clothes. He is going to be fixed next Monday and the vet told us that this should stop it. Were hoping.

We had read that dogs do this to be domminated. Or they could be stressed. Im sure our Pooh is since this is his 3rd home. Im hoping it is his last home since we all have fallen in love with him and I refuse to give up on him. If nothing else we will keep him to one room or put a doggy diaper on him. He seems to only do this when we are gone or asleep. Nothing is more aggravating than waking up in the night to walk through a wet spot. But like with a baby with potty training we will get through this. It just make take time.

Im new to this forum myself so Im learning alot of new things as I go. I just love reading things here!

If Pooh is only wetting inside when you are gone or asleep, I'd bet dollars to donuts that it's caused by anxiety. Relieve the anxiety, relieve the "relieving." Neutering may not help with it, if it's anxiety. It could even make it worse, due to a lack of confidence. Have you tried crating him when he's to be left unattended? That may actually help with his anxiety-- make him feel more secure.

Originally Posted by Mydogiscute

If Pooh is only wetting inside when you are gone or asleep, I'd bet dollars to donuts that it's caused by anxiety. Relieve the anxiety, relieve the "relieving." Neutering may not help with it, if it's anxiety. It could even make it worse, due to a lack of confidence. Have you tried crating him when he's to be left unattended? That may actually help with his anxiety-- make him feel more secure.

I haven't tried crating him. We have even let him sleep with us which seems to help except when the cat is in the house. When she stays out hes ok. Ive tested this the last few days and he seems to just mark just when shes in the house. Now I know he has problems with anxiety when hes in the car. He shakes and pants something terrible. We have tried short rides in the car and he still has problems. Were wanting him to get use to riding in the car because when we do family outings we want to include him. I dont think drugging him is a good idea just to go on a family picinic. I know how benadryls do me and I dont want him to feel loopy when he should be having a good time.

I guess if getting him neutered dont do the trick im either going to have to crate him or keep the cat out.

Originally Posted by Mama2Jack&Ru

HELP! We have two Chihuahua mixes . . . both male and both neutered. We adopted the Jack in October of 2008 and Rufus in February of 2009. We know that male dogs mark and that there would be a "break-in" period with the new addition. I stay at home, so I am able to take them both out 6-7 times each day. Rufus does go outside when I take him out. He seems to do most of the marking at night when we're asleep, when we're not home (which isn't very often), or when we're busy in another part of the house. It is definitely Rufus doing the marking and, to this point, Jack has not joined in. We're already going to do the first round of steam-cleaning for our carpet tomorrow. Ugh. We clean the spots immediately with the appropriate cleaners. When we got Jack last year, he marked for the first week or so and then figured it out. We're now getting close to two months with Ru and he's marking just as much as always. Outside of keeping him on a leash or in a crate, what else is there to do? Any help would be much appreciated!

Not a fun problem to deal with. However, Planet Urine has products that can at least help with the clean up. Planet Urine | Urine happens. We can help!

Here are some tips for house training, Planet Urine | How to Housetrain Dogs. And when accidents do happen here are some great products, Planet Urine | 6 Steps for Removal of Dog Urine Using a Dry Powder