controlled urination

[Elsie]

Is anyone able to help with this problem?
One dog is 4 years old (bitch, not desexed) and one 20 month old bitch, also not desexed. They have always played together, and still do. However, for the last seven to ten days, the owner has noted that after they have finished eating their dinner, and after checking each other's bowl (which has always been done), the 20 month old then goes to the other dog's bowl and urinates next to it. It is only a small puddle, and seems to be controlled. I feel that this could be a dominance thing (as the 20 month old is probably going through 'puberty',) but the question is -
1. Why urinate next to the other's dinner bowl?
2. If this dog is trying to be leader of the pack, how can it be rectified before a fight begins?
They both share the same backyard, and it is a worry that the problem may arise while the owner is out. I have not heard of this happening before.
Please, can someone give some answers?

 

[Ashlea]

Spay both dogs ASAP

 

[oc_spirit]

That''s her way of saying "This is mine" They should treat it like she was a puppy having an accident. Interrupt her, take her outside, praise when she finishes.

As for the dominance thing, all they can really do is make sure they cater to the pecking order. The dominant one gets everything first essentially. This will at least minimize fights. You can''t really do anything to avoid a dominance fight other than keep the dogs seperated. It''s just one of those things that may eventually happen and is best not to interupt unless things are getting serious.