Excessive scent marking indoors

[brollybush]

Pup is just coming up to 12 months old and the indoor scent marking seems to be getting worse and worse - anyone have advice for how to curb it?

Ooh, a new lamp - I shall pee on it!
Ooh, the kitchen bin has moved - I shall pee on it!
Ooh, I managed to get upstairs and onto the bed - I shall pee on it!
Ooh, this cupboard doesn't already reek of my piss - I shall pee on it!
Ooh, an open door - pee on it!
Ooh, what is this, a box? - I shall pee on it!

Is it scent marking or was he not properly toilet trained?

Mine never once marked in the house - I would say it's pretty unusual behaviour actually.

Get a long lead and literally have puppy tied to you, that way everytime they go to do it you can correct it but saying no and taking them straight outside. Also get some specific dog wee cleaner to remove any remaining odours (normal cleaner may not do it). After long enough they should realise it's not acceptable! Our puppy had a phase of always peeing on the spare bed (hello washing duvet in the bath). I knew I couldn't correct it retrospectively but when I caught him mid act I gave him a very strongly toned no - the look of shock! haha, never did it again.

Also, if you decide to neuter once they're fully grown that reduces scent marking but you may be waiting a while for that so won't help in the interim!

He is toilet trained - or at least I thought so - but maybe not properly then.

I presumed scent marking as it is always new stuff, or moved stuff and he just does a tiny little pee each time after a good investigative sniff.

@ThelastRolo20 that's a good idea, thank you.

Which breed is your dog? Neutering is often touted as a fix for nearly everything, but there is good evidence it helps with scent marking. I still wouldn't neuter before he's fully grown though.

Are you using a specialist enzyme cleaner to remove the scent?

He's a pug.

I have tried a few different cleaners/deterrents etc - any brand in particular you recommend?

Needs to be an enzyme cleaner. You need to watch him to be able to prevent this behaviour.

Simple Solution is a good one.

As PP said neutering should help if it is scent marking but you need to make sure he's fully grown first. Also speak to your vet and make sure it wouldn't cause any other issues.

Mine did this until he was neutered. Now he only marks things he views as his and only ever once i.e if I wash his bed he will mark it before he'll lay on it.

Thelastrolo gives good advice.

Scent marking is the only behaviour that neutering will help -I would also speak to a vet to rule out infections etc.

Okay, thanks everyone. Will have a chat with the vet and get on with the spray and long lead in the meantime.

As @Thelastrolo said, you need to catch him in the act and develop a 'naughty dog' voice if you don't already have one. I look after a friend's dog who I was warned did just the same as yours. First visit I followed him round the house and watched like a hawk. The moment he tried it I used the 'naught dog' voice took him outside and refused to engage with him for 5 minutes. I only had to do it twice and he now doesn't scent mark at all. He is also delighted to see me when ever he visits so I don't think I traumatised the poor creature.