Why do you need to address marking with dogs.
Introduction
Marking is a natural behavior for dogs. They often mark objects to claim ownership or let other dogs know they were in a specific area. However, marking can be a problem if it is happening in inappropriate places, such as inside the house or on furniture.
Common Misconceptions
- Some people believe that marking is a sign of aggression. This is not always the case. Marking can be a sign of dominance, but it can also be a sign of excitement, anxiety, or boredom.
- Others believe that there is nothing you can do to stop marking. This is not true. There are a number of things you can do to address marking behavior and prevent it from happening in the future.
Marking - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Identify the triggers. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause your dog to mark. Once you know the triggers, you can start to work on desensitizing your dog to them. For example, if your dog only marks when they are excited, you can start by taking them to a quiet area and letting them sniff around. Once they are calm, you can gradually introduce more distractions, such as other dogs or people.
- Teach your dog an alternative behavior. Once you have identified the triggers, you can start to teach your dog an alternative behavior. This could be something like sitting, lying down, or going to their bed. When your dog is in a situation that typically triggers marking, give them the command for the alternative behavior and reward them for following it. For example, if your dog starts to mark a tree, you can give them the command "sit" and reward them with a treat when they sit down.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Variously reward your dog for choosing not to mark. Once your dog has learned the alternative behavior, you can start to variably reward them for not marking. This means that you do not always have to give them a reward every time they are successful. This will help them learn that not marking is the expected behavior. For example, you might reward your dog with a treat every time they walk by a tree without marking it, but only half of the time they sit down when they are excited.
- Correct your dog for marking inappropriately. If your dog does mark inappropriately, be sure to correct them immediately. This could be a verbal correction, a leash correction, or an e-collar correction. The correction should be firm but fair. For example, if your dog marks a tree, you can say "no" in a firm voice and then take them away from the tree.
Proofing Phase:
- Give your dog more freedom by having them off the leash and collar. You may want to use an ecollar to ensure control and accountability when they are tempted to mark. Be sure to closely supervise your dog so that you can manage them and correct as needed. For example, you can start by taking your dog for a walk off leash in a quiet area. If they start to mark, you can use the ecollar to give them a correction and then take them away from the area.
- Watch for signs that your dog is going to mark during every training session. Correct as necessary, but corrections should be infrequent. Your dog should avoid marking on objects in different environments. For example, you can watch your dog closely for signs that they are about to mark, such as sniffing around or lifting their leg. If you see these signs, you can give them a verbal correction or a leash correction to prevent them from marking.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who marks furniture in the house. His owners tried ignoring the behavior, but it only made it worse. They then tried punishing Charlie, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Charlie in a training class where he learned an alternative behavior to marking. Now, when Charlie feels the urge to mark, he knows to go to his bed instead.
- Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who marks trees on walks. Her owners tried to distract her with treats, but this did not work. They then tried using an e-collar to correct her, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Sadie in a training class where she learned the command "leave it." Now, when Sadie sees a tree that she wants to mark, she knows to leave it alone.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to address marking behavior in dogs. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately.
- Be consistent. It is important to be consistent with your training. If you are inconsistent, your dog will not learn what you are trying to teach them.
- Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when your dog is not marking. This will help them learn that not marking is a good thing.
- Do not punish your dog. Punishing your dog for marking will only make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on rewarding your dog for not marking.
Conclusion
Marking can be a frustrating behavior for pet parents. However, it is important to remember that this behavior is often a sign of something else. By addressing the underlying issue, you can help your dog stop marking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog only marks when they are excited?
A: If your dog only marks when they are excited, it is likely a sign of excitement marking. This is a common behavior in young dogs, but it can be annoying for pet parents. You can help your dog stop excitement marking by teaching them an alternative behavior, such as sitting or lying down. You can also try to desensitize your dog to the triggers that cause them to get excited.
- Q: What if my dog only marks when they are stressed or anxious?
A:If your dog only marks when they are stressed or anxious, it is likely a sign of stress marking. This behavior can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in the environment, loud noises, or separation anxiety. You can help your dog stop stress marking by identifying the triggers and working to reduce the stress in their environment. You can also teach your dog relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or belly rubs.