Throughout previous articles, we have seen that inappropriate eliminations can be related to: clinical or behavioral pathologies, improper upbringing, or insufficient exits.
This week we will cover the following topics:
When the dog “marks” inside the house…
- Territorial marking
Territory marking with urine, represents a social behavior that is influenced by sex hormones and may be associated with specific behavioral modules, related to social hierarchy. Therefore, in the male, castration reduces the behavior, although it does not eliminate it altogether. Territorial marking is easily recognized, as it is characterized by jets of urine, which the dog deposits on vertical or raised surfaces, being very careful to place them as high as possible. The act has social and communicative value, and while it is part of the dog’s normal behavioral repertoire, it can become a problem when it occurs inside the home. - Hierarchical marking
In this case, the dog may urinate either in the presence or absence of the owner, and does so by depositing urine or feces (which are always solid), in a place clearly visible to the owner (e.g., on the bed) as the purpose is demonstrative or possession over the owners themselves. The behavior is attributable to an unstable hierarchical situation within the dog’s social group and should always be evaluated and followed up by a therapist to prevent it from escalating into aggression. - Marking the anxious dog
Although the symptomatology, has many similarities with hierarchical marking, in this case the dog almost never urinates in the presence of his owners, as his goal is NOT to claim a territory of belonging, but rather to reassure himself by spreading odors known to him in the environment. Again, it will be up to the specialist to provide the dog, skills that increase self-esteem, through the relationship with the owner.
Emotional urination
This is a behavior that usually, Occurs in puppies up to 6 months of age and in dogs that are frequently “corrected” by the owner: the moment you approach the dog, the dog will assumes a posture of submission (which can range from simply sitting down and lowering the head, to exposing the groin region by rolling onto the back) and urine.
In the adult dog, emotional urination, take on a different valence and could be the symptom of anxious states and other behavioral disorders, That require the intervention of a specialist.
Carla Beard
Sing To The Moon Dog Center