Shelter dog is marking house

[Adrienne]

So I took one of our shelter dogs out to the beach today to let off a little steam. He did fantastic. Was offleash all day long, played, swam, interacted with other dogs and the kids. He was perfect! I was potentially playing with the idea of adopting him if he doesn't get out of the shelter soon.

Anyways, Rocky is a Staffy and was brought in as a stray. He is neutered and microchipped (no info on chip) and about 1 1/2 years old. When I brought him back to my house before dropping him at the shelter he repetitively marked in my house. I had him on leash so I took him in the kitchen and held the leash to ensure he couldn't go mark anymore. I then took him outside and he urinated and then marked at which point I praised him. Is marking in an older adult dog something that can be worked with. My issue at this time is that I have had numerous foster dogs, families dogs, friends dogs, etc. and many pups in my house that have either had accidents or marked themselves and I just don't think I can successfully remove all traces of urine scent from my home without tearing out all the carpet. That isn't an option since I rent and I know my landlord won't want to risk new carpet getting ruined. Any tips on how to help Rocky. Even if I don't take him this behavior would ensure he really would not be adoptable.

Here's a pic of this lovely boy and his petfinder page Adoptable American Staffordshire Terrier: Rocky: Petfinder

 

[Maura]

Use something to clean the popular pee spots, Nature's Miracle or a water and white vinegar solution. Bring him into the house, on loose leash, and watch him, As soon as you see a leg go up, give him an "Ahhhhg!" Walk him away from the spot, and when you see he is about to lift a leg, repeat the "Ahhhhg!" Bring him to the first spot and Praise & treat him before he has a chance to lift a leg, then walk away from the spot. Same with the second spot and any other spots. This worked well with one of my fosters.

If he continues to mark, put a belly band on him. The belly band will need to be on him for two or three weeks, possibly longer

Some dogs will only mark in a house where there is another male dog, so it may not be an issue if he will be an only dog. While you may be able to get him to stop marking in your home, the new owner will have to be aware of the situation and take the same steps.

 

[Saeleofu]

Maura's given you some good advice.

Marking can definitely be fixed. I'm actually working on it with Logan right now, too. He's not a terrible marker, but he does mark on occasion.

The way I'm doing it is the umbilical method. Basically, I treat him as if he's not housetrained (though he really is). He's attached to me by a leash at all times so that I know he's not off somewhere peeing. He's crated at night and when I'm gone. He's done well so far. I have started letting him have free reign in certain areas and under a watchful eye. Also, it's okay to let them mark when they're outside. It give them an outlet for it

 

[smkie]

I would leash him to me until he completely understood we are not doing that in the house. If you can't leash him to you, stick a belly band on him. Wash what he did do with bleach if at all possible. They get real tired of me, but I get my point across that the dog is not doing that in the house ever. Worked with the worst leg hiking jack russell that had been tossed out of his own house for this reason. He and I came to an understanding that freedom is earned. IF he can get it through his thick skull any dog could. My he was awful.