This has a number of functions, in particular it warns off other dogs not to enter the territory.
The urine itself gives the dog that sniffs it various bits of information about the dog that has urinated - such as its age and its sex.
It is a continuation of this behaviour that the dog exhibits.
There may be some other considerations to be made - general health and is your dog anxious? Anxiety can cause your dog to urinate inside and it is worth getting advice from a vet.
The vet will be able to rule out any health problem your dog may have.
Steps to take -
- Make sure your dog is not just having an accidental urination.
How do you know he is actually marking? Some indications can include - your dog regularly marking the route you go for your walk.
Leaving small amounts of urine on anything that is bought into the house usually on a vertical surface. - On your walks do not allow your dog to mark the route - keep him moving till you get to a place you decide he can urinate.
If you teach a young puppy to urinate on command this would obviously help but it is never too late.
Praise and treat for urinating in the the correct place and introduce a command word.
You will need to be patient with an older dog. - When you and your dog are indoors control carefully the area where your dog move around.
A crate is a useful tool in this training.
Unless you can keep a close eye on your dog make sure he is in his crate.
That is his territory and he will be safe and secure. - If your dog has marked any part of your home, or had an accident, make sure you have cleaned it thoroughly.
Pet stores and supermarkets sell special cleaner that will remove all the odour.
If you dog can smell where he has urinated before he will do it again. - If possible keep any furniture that has been marked by your dog out of his reach - you may have reorganise your furniture to do this.
Prevention is a great remedy.
If your dog can see outside he may be seeing other animals and feels the need to mark his territory - so block his access to the window. - You can spray your furniture with a dog repellant liquid which is aimed at keeping the dog away.
Other similar training aids would be a citronella collar that is triggered when the dog remotely.
You are trying to put up a barrier to protect your property.
Finally make sure you spend time training your dog in general obedience work, this will ensure he will look to you for what he should be doing as you will be his leader and you will look after the territory that is the home.