Why do dogs mark?

These dogs often mark nearby objects, people or other dogs. Some dogs urine mark when they experience anxiety. Anxious dogs might deposit greater amounts of urine than dogs marking for other reasons. They might also urine mark on spots that aren't vertical surfaces. read more

Exciting social situations can trigger urine marking. Some male dogs only urine mark when in the presence of female dogs (especially if they’re in heat), and some urine mark only when interacting with other male dogs. Some dogs only urine mark when visiting homes where other dogs have urine marked before. read more

The amount of urine is small and is found primarily on vertical surfaces, but dogs do sometimes mark on horizontal surfaces. Reasons for urine-marking. Your dog isn't spayed or neutered. Unneutered dogs are much more assertive and prone to marking than neutered ones. There's a new pet in the household. Another pet in your home is not spayed or neutered. read more

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered can and do still engage in marking behaviors from time to time, depending on other factors. According to a report from the Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet may help reduce likelihood that they will mark their territory, but it does not completely stop it. read more