Dog scent marking

[Alliegid]

I've got a dog visiting over Easter and it keeps scent marking our dog's cage, also in other areas. What can we do about this? I've got a house full of people at the moment so keeping him separate is very difficult (someone always opens a door!) Am I better washing all the bedding (again) or if I leave it (yuk) will he not want to do it again? Any advice welcome. He is "top dog" in his house and our little dog is quite nervous and tiny.

[B00]

Who's dog is this?

To be honest if I was you, I'd tell whoever's dog it is not to bring him! Not only is he peeing round your house he's scaring your own dog.

[Alliegid]

It is my brother's dog and he is normally very obedient (bro & Badger!) I don't think he is making our dog any more nervous than usual, it is just the way she is)

It a problem though. They can't easily leave him with any one else - we are a close family and like to see animals and family together when we can ( we all live 100's of miles apart usually

[B00]

Yeah I do see your point, got to be a bit of a problem, especially as this is a family members dog.

But I'd be mortified if I took my dog into someone else's house and it started peeing everywhere- isn't your brother embarrassed?

Not sure what the solution is, but I have ot be honest and say that if this was happening in my house I'd downright refuse to have the dog in the house, borthers dog or no brothers dog!

Good luck on this one.

[barking-mad]

Hi Allie, The top dog visitor is displaying typically dominant behaviour. I'm guessing he's uncastrated as they're usually the worst culprits. He's scenting his new living area (sadly he doesn't realise he's only visiting!) to cancel out the scent of your more submissive little dog.

I think for your own comfort you have to keep washing the bedding and cleaning the other areas he's marked. Try a washing powder solution though on floors, skirting boards, et cas this is better at ridding the smell than any bleach based cleaning fluids.

I think your only hope is to try to confine him to one room to reduce the need for cleaning. Have you an old child safety gate you could put across a doorway?

Castration is generally considered to be the best permanent solution to the problem . His owners might think it's rather radical ... though I could understand you might be considering a DIY job with a pair of nutcrackers by now!! ;)

[Alliegid]

Thanks all - I think that you've got it right barking-mad - he hasn't been castrated. Is this something he can help (if you know what I mean - or is it just instinct?)

There are 15 of us here ranging from 2 to 83 so baby gates are already in action. Now where did I put the garden shears !?

[barking-mad]

Laughing at the garden shears...!! I can understand the temptation!

It is instinct and not just being naughty. He'll have testosterone coursing through his veins and coming in to new premises he'll be leaving his scent to let the other dog know he's now above her in the pack heirarchy.

Your brother has probably been saying "He never does it at home!". Believe him, he won't be telling lies. The dog has no need to at home as he's a lone dog secure in his top dog position.

I think you need to try barricading him in a utility room or garage. I'm assuming your little dog's crate is too small to place the visitor in? Know anyone who would loan you one? I'm in north manchester and have one, if the geography makes it worth a short drive.

[Alliegid]

Thanks for offer barking-mad - Norfolk is a bit of a drive! Actually Badger does have his own cage, but he can't be kept in it all the time! - you can guarantee that the i second when no one is watching him will be the time when he makes his mark - men!!
I'm seriously considering a nappy though!
Thanks for suggestions