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Marking in the house -- suggestions???

Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:07 am
by Steven Greenwell
We have had our dog, Fritz, for just over a year now. He was about two when we picked him up from the shelter. Everyone's best guess is that he is a mix daschund and miniature pinscher. When we got him he was already house broken (whew!) and since he has come to live with us there have only been a few accidents.

A couple weeks ago a friend stayed with us who has a little Yorkie. After they left we found some spots on the carpet in one room where the Yorkie had marked. We steam cleaned it and the stains seemed to come out. Everything was fine for a couple weeks but then this morning we found Fritz had marked a couple places where the Yorkie did. So out comes our steam cleaner again. We hope this isn't the start of a trend. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks...

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:00 am
by dl meckes
Steam cleaning usually doesn't actually get the spot cleaned. You have to use an enzyme cleaner that "eats" the smell - the proteins and the like.

Most pet stores sell little black lights and the idea is that you go around and look for spots using the black light and then you treat them with an enzyme cleaner.

Sort of like doggie CSI.

When everything is clear (you check again later with the black light) you should be okay, but then you also want to be on the lookout for the dog who thinks that inside is more delightful and self-rewarding than outside for marking.

In that case, you may need to tether your dog to you while you're inside for a little while to make sure you can fully supervise...

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 2:53 pm
by Ed Dickson
What she said!

I agree completely with everything DL said. I would emphasize the enzymatic cleaner is really imortant. (Nature's Miracle or Simple Solutions or two brands) We may not be able to smell it but the dogs nose is an amazing tool.

With that and a week or two of potty training 101, high supervision inside and high rewards (praise, treats, basically party time!) for potty outside and you should have this solved in no time. The reward part must happen outside with the dog right when they go and not when they get to the back door.

Hope this helps.
Ed

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:10 am
by Steven Greenwell
dl and Ed -- thanks for responding. I appreciate your suggestions. Fortunately, it looks like it was a one time incident!