December 23, 2022
My 18-month-old Golden Retriever lifts his leg and marks inside stores or homes we visit if other dogs have been there. He also does this while walking with no warning. How can I stop this?
Full Question:
Hello. I have an intact male 18-month-old Golden Retriever. For a few months, I would take him on a long walk on a jogging trail using a 20 ft long line so he could run around and sniff and mark. NOW, I don't allow him on a 20ft line instead I only use a 6 ft line and I take him on "structured" walks and not free roaming walks. He marks inside a store if there were previous dog smells like a pet store. But he does not mark if I take him to dept stores or hobby stores where there are no dog smells. I use a choke collar and I give quick pops and sternly say "NO" each time he marks. Sometimes, he will mark while walking so I don't see any body language indicating he is about to mark. He never marks in my house. He did mark in a friend's house who has dogs. How can I stop this behavior? 
Cindy's Answer:
Why did you stop letting him on the 20-foot line? Is there a specific reason to have taken his free time on walks away? Dogs need to be able to be dogs and sniff and mark sometimes. I tell my dogs OK and they can sniff, go to the end of the leash, and have some free time on walks. It's important for their state of mind.
Once I give my cue to walk next to me, no more sniffing or peeing on things. I would make your criteria crystal clear. Correcting him after he marks is too late. I would have very strict rules for walking next to you inside any store or home and use a small prong up high under the jaw. If he was my dog, he'd have to do a focused heel. If he dropped his head or got out of position or took his eyes off of me, he would be told no for that. If your dog is in a focused heel position and paying attention to you, it's much more difficult for him to mark.
Your other option is to stop taking him inside stores, which I would recommend anyway while you change up your training. The more you put him in this situation the harder it will be to stop.
Once I give my cue to walk next to me, no more sniffing or peeing on things. I would make your criteria crystal clear. Correcting him after he marks is too late. I would have very strict rules for walking next to you inside any store or home and use a small prong up high under the jaw. If he was my dog, he'd have to do a focused heel. If he dropped his head or got out of position or took his eyes off of me, he would be told no for that. If your dog is in a focused heel position and paying attention to you, it's much more difficult for him to mark.
Your other option is to stop taking him inside stores, which I would recommend anyway while you change up your training. The more you put him in this situation the harder it will be to stop.
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