January 23, 2019

My dog obsessively marks outside when we go for walks. Any suggestions?

Full Question:
My dog obsessively marks outside when we go for walks. I?ve been able to minimize the behavior with focused leash training. However, when I take him for a walk somewhere new, he will do anything he can to mark even to the point of loose stools. He does not mark inside. Any suggestions?
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
This isn't entirely uncommon, especially in intact males. I would make a very clear difference between his "free time" to sniff and mark and do his own thing and how you expect him to behave on leash with you. I would make walking with you an obedience exercise. I allow my dogs some free time before we walk or hike and they are told to "hurry up" (which means pee and poop and do your sniffing). Once I say "let's go," it means to walk along with me and no marking, sniffing, or pulling. They don't have to heel but they must be polite. I see you got the Loose Leash Walking Online Course, it's exactly what I would have recommended for you.
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Thank you!!!

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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