He is a house dog and he will be one year on October 21. He has been potty trained since he was about 6 months old but he has be "spraying" things in my house. Is he trying to mark his teritory?Would it help to have him fixed?
28 answers:
joey_chan27
2006-09-21 11:11:44 UTC
DEFINITELY.
As a lot of people have said already, getting him fixed will help with the spraying as well as trying to get out of the yard/house. His urge to wander will be reduced, and usually the dog will be a little calmer. Not suddenly very lazy, just calmer. Neutering also reduces the risks of certain diseases, like testicular cancer.
Getting him fixed will not affect his personality at all, whoever tells you it will doesn't know what they're talking about. You won't be taking his manhood away or anything like that...dogs aren't like people, he won't be "missing out" on anything. The earlier he is fixed the better. (All that goes for females as well) The only people who should not have their dog fixed are the ones who are breeding CAREFULLY, professional breeders not backyard ones.
And be sure to clean the spots he marks with a mixture of vinegar and water. Otherwise he may keep going there out of habit!
2006-09-21 18:10:13 UTC
Well, actually, since he is almost a year old, the chances of having him fixed to solve the marking problem he has aquired are pretty slim. If you don't plan to breed him, then you might try it, but don't expect it to be a sure fix. You're only true fix is to now train him not to mark things just like you had to potty train him. Even neutered animals (cats and dogs, etc.) will still mark things unless they were neutered at a young age. If you don't really want to neuter him but simply want to stop him from peeing on things in your house you just need to catch him in the act a few times like I'm sure you had to do when he was a puppy and you were house training him. If you also want him neutered, then I would have it done and it could stop the problem, I just wouldn't count on it. Good luck!
madfly80
2006-09-21 17:52:58 UTC
Neutering will help decrease the marking greatly although since he is already in the habit you may have to work with him a little too. I recommend spaying and neutering ALL pets. They will be healthier in the long run and will not contribute to the already huge problem of overpopulation. Their personality does not change in any way if that is a concern for you. Your dog is also safer if he is altered. Many people who are looking to steal a dog, are not interested in an altered animal, or if he were to somehow get out of the house (broken window from a tree limb, whatever) he will not be as likely to roam (no looking for the ladies without the bits). Neutering is the responsible thing to do.
Renee D
2006-09-21 18:50:25 UTC
"Spraying" is a behavior more associated with cats than dogs.
Your dog IS probably marking his territory. Having him fixed MAY help, but if he can still smell the places in your house where he has gone, he will continue this behavior.
You will have to COMPLETELY remove any odor. It will not be easy. Bleach works well.
Be SURE not to use amonia. It will ENHANCE the urine smell.
You will need to cordon off the sections of your house you are cleaning so that he cannot return there. Do not reopen these areas for AT LEAST a month to be sure ALL smells have dissipated.
GOOD LUCK!!
?
2006-09-21 17:49:14 UTC
The only reason a male dog shouldn't be fixed is for breeding reasons.
Having him fix will keep him home. It will also give him a longer life span.
After having him fixed, clean the areas he's marked really good. Having him fixed will help.
Morgan C
2006-09-21 18:03:43 UTC
It definetly is a good idea to get all your animals fixed, unless you are looking to breed them. Not only does spaying or neutering help in population control and strays, it also helps with your animals life span and obeidiance. A male dog who is neutered (like yours) won't continue to mark "territory" whether it be outside or inside. For a female dog spaying her will lessen the likelyhood of her getting cancer.
Baby Girl 1214
2006-09-21 17:52:05 UTC
Getting your animal fixed is not only good for stoping the spraying, but its great for keeping the spread of homeless pets. He may be an indoor pet but you never know when he could get in contact with some other dog.
You also dont want him going around feeling the same way men do when they dont get any. (animals get that same feeling!)
SO definitly get him fixed.
Chit P
2006-09-21 17:47:53 UTC
Yes you should get him neutered, yes he is trying to mark his territory, yes it would help to get him fixed. Getting him fixed would also help to keep him from trying to run away, as well as humping your leg or any unsuspecting guests, as well as your spraying problem. However, if you don't clean up his scent from your house(you can use vinegar and water, or natures miracle) he might pee there out of instinct to soil the same place.
Lu
2006-09-21 17:52:47 UTC
Yes, have him fixed. It may also help with his temperment if that's ever a problem. The only reason not to have an animal fixed these days is if you were wanting to breed them.
mminuyasha
2006-09-21 17:52:01 UTC
Unless you specifically want to breed him, or to show him (some shows want not fixed dogs only) I would get him fixed immediately. It sounds like he is definetly marking his territory. The sooner he is fixed, the more passive he will stay as well.
Laura
2006-09-21 18:16:56 UTC
Yes, DEFINATELY get him fixed.
Getting him fixed will help, if not, eliminate the problem of him marking. He also won't roam and look for females.
Plus, you will ensure that he will not add to the already overpopulated pet population.
emmer
2006-09-21 18:26:39 UTC
Yes, this is a common problem among male dogs who haven't been fixed yet. It will most definately help.
mickey g
2006-09-21 18:31:26 UTC
yes get him fixed. it will help lower his risks of some cancers and also keep him from wanting to try to find a mate
2006-09-21 17:57:46 UTC
Yes he is marking his territory. Fixing him would help.
Snuggs77
2006-09-21 17:48:17 UTC
Yes get him fixed!
Not only will it help with his desire to roam and find a mate (meaning escaping your house/yard) it will also help with his personality once he matures.
Demon Doll
2006-09-21 17:51:09 UTC
Getting him fixed would be the responsible thing to do. No unwanted puppies!
2006-09-22 13:46:30 UTC
I'd just fix him enough so no one would know he was broke and then sell him in a yard sale.
OU812
2006-09-21 17:46:14 UTC
All dogs and cats should be fixed unless their specific purpose is to breed for profit.
And for what it's worth, most people should be fixed.
moonlightsky1785
2006-09-21 17:54:18 UTC
I highly recommend that you get him neutered. It's possible that he is attempting to mark his territory. If you get him neutered then he will less likely pee on everything.
Fleur de Lis
2006-09-21 17:50:52 UTC
Yes, get him fixed.
2006-09-21 17:50:38 UTC
yes
all animals shoul be fixed, there are already too many unwated/homeless pets due to un-fixed pets.
2006-09-21 18:34:23 UTC
Yes It is healthy for them and sometimes it improves their disposition.
?
2006-09-21 17:49:57 UTC
yes
marlene b
2006-09-21 17:53:21 UTC
yes it is very wise unless you have breeding on mind
2006-09-21 17:52:36 UTC
cruelty to animals dammit. will have to report the lot of you
2006-09-21 17:47:47 UTC
No, don't you want to see some action around the neighborhood.
daddyo
2006-09-21 17:45:53 UTC
absolutely get him fixed...
MadMaxx
2006-09-21 17:46:03 UTC
yes it would... and extend his life
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