Hey there,

Our 6 month old puppy has just started to learn how to mark his territory for the past week, and he has even done it a couple times in doors now!!! He is very well house trained, so this is quite surprising. Do you have any advice on how to help prevent puppies from marking in general and especially inside?

Our puppy is not neutered yet. I assume that this will probably help? What is the best time to get him neutered? Do you 6 months is too early? Our vet is willing to do it now that our puppy is 6 months.

Thanks.

Brian

Thank you for your question! Male puppies seem to live to mark their territory. The motto is ‘if it’s nice wet on it – if it’s really nice wet on it twice!’

Neutering at six months old seems to give the best behavior benefits. It is not brain surgery, but it is really close!

Avoid allowing your puppy to mark on your walks outside of the yard. Please listen to our podcast on marking. Your puppy does not realize that you disagree with this behavior if you do not stop it outside. Use the command ‘leave it’ for marking.

Revoke his freedom inside the house! Return to what worked to housetrain him in the beginning. Follow the 3 rules: outside with you, inside with you, or in his confinement area.

Remember that a six-month-old puppy is like a 13-year-old boy. He needs constant guidance and training, as well as occasional grounding.

I hope this helps! Thank you, Margaret Davis