I had Teddy to the vet for annual booster shots two weeks ago and all went well. Tonight he felt a need to leave his mark twice in the waiting room. He sniffed at the bench and up went his leg. Then he was good. We had a long wait tonight so I took him outside and he left his calling card on a few things outside which wasn't a problem. We went back in and soon saw the vet. All was well. On the way back out he felt a need to "say good-bye" as he walked past the corner of the check-out counter. I don't think he missed a step as he did it he was that quick. So the question is - was that normal intact male behavior or a house training issue? He's been good in our house for a year now, not one single accident or even a close call. He hasn't been in a crate for 4 months and stays alone some days for 5 or 6 hours.
I think it may be hard for an intact male to control himself in high traffic places such as a vets or a pet store. There may be been dozens of dogs marking one area, and that can be hard to ignore especially for a younger male. One thing I do to keep my male from marking inappropriately is redirection. I keep a close eye, and if there's even a bit of straying/sniffing, I get his attention very quickly and redirect him either by having him sit or even just come in for a pet. Then I rearrange him so he's away from the interesting smelly spot. I try to keep a hawk eye on him as hes only 16 months old and his hormones are raging.
Seamus is now 19 months old and did that once at the vet about 5 months ago. Vet tried to say that he NEEDED to be neutered because of it but we are not getting him neutered. Redirection and training to concentrate on you not on what is around him, will eliminate the behavior. Good luck.
Teddy is 16 months also and he was a perfect gentleman 2 weeks ago in the same place so I let my guard down little. The second time he did it he never stopped moving - leg up, mark, never missed a step. Kind of impressive actually. All of his targets looked like highly desirable and probably well used spots.
Thanks.
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