How to Stop a Male Dog Spraying in the House
A male dog marks or sprays to "claim" his territory even if he just emptied his bladder recently. The "claim" frequency often increases following a change in the home, such as a new baby, changing residences or getting a new pet, reports the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The tendency for male dogs to mark their territory with urine is somewhat unfortunately and perfectly natural. Positive reinforcement, behavior modification and neutering can reduce a male dog's tendency to spray in your house.
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Instructions
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Neuter your dog. The SPCA recommends neutering your dog before his 6-month birthday. Neutering reduces the testosterone output, which in turn lowers his urge to "claim" everything he sniffs. In addition to curtailing marking, neutering your dog significantly reduces his risk of prostate and testicular disease and helps prevent accidental breeding, reports the Humane Society. Your dog may continue marking for three to four months after being neutered as his body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
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Remove the urine smell from his favorite marking spots. In the mind of a male dog, a urine-scented spot on the chair is a huge, flashing sign saying "right here!" Use a black light to find traces of urine and saturate the carpet or chair with an enzymatic cleaner for five minutes, scrub vigorously and allow it to air dry. Unlike vinegar- or ammonia-based cleaners, which can actually attract unwanted spraying, enzymatic cleaners neutralize the appealing scent compounds. You can buy enzymatic cleaner at any major pet supply store.
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Redirect your dog outside when you see him lifting his leg. Clap your hands loudly at the first sign of leg-raising, immediately stop what you're doing and take him outside to urinate. Don't yell, scold or hit him. Just calmly take him outdoors to finish his business. Reinforce the lesson by praising him enthusiastically each time he eliminates outdoors.
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Block your dog's access to certain rooms in the house until you feel his behavior is trustworthy. Limit his access to one room and concentrate on correcting him each time he marks by clapping and taking him outside. You can increase his access to other rooms as he displays more consistent house-training habits.
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Take your dog to the veterinarian. Certain medical conditions, such as a prostate conditions or urinary tract infections, can cause erratic marking and urination. Always rule out an underlying medical condition before attempting to modify his behavior.
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Tips & Warnings
Having a dog is a major responsibility, and completely housebreaking a dog takes time and patience. Be prepared to monitor his behavior almost constantly to consistently correct the problem.
Take responsibility for your own role in his marking. If you stop to read your mail or have a snack after returning home instead of letting your dog outside immediately to relieve himself, the problem is your behavior, not his.
Never hit or yell at your dog for marking inside the house. Simply clap your hands and sharply tell him no. Take him outside immediately afterward to finish urinating.
References
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