Scent Marking vs. Potty Training

Does your adult dog still have accidents? Maybe its not potty training in the sense that your dog has to relieve himself. It may be insecurity.

Our modern domestic dog (Cannis Familiaris) is descended from wolves. Many of their behaviors are rooted in their wolf ancestry. Wolves in the wild are territorial. They feel safe when they are with their pack and in their established and marked territory. How is the territory "marked"? The alpha male and female use their urine as well as other scent glands to mark their pack's territory. See the equation? Marked territory = security.

An insecure or fearful dog may mark in your house. Its no accident. Ask yourself, does your dog act skiddish, wary, afraid of strangers, nervous, shy? He may be fear marking. If so you can solve the marking by boosting your dog's self confidence. You have to reestablish trust if you lost it between the two of you. If the fear comes from sources other than you, a family member, other pets, etc. you must address them.

Here are a few quick tips:

Don't physically punish your dog.
Establish a consistent daily routine such as sleep, eat, play, sleep, eat, play, etc... (in any order)
Wolf puppies lick their superiors lip's in a sign of submission and to gain acceptance. This equals security too. so let him plant a big sloppy one on you.
Desensitise your dog to any sources of fear. This requires a qualified trainer. There are books on the subject meant for experienced trainers. A novice can further traumatize the dog and make matters worse.