I have 3 dogs. All fixed. 5y/o M Ridgeback, 4y/o M Lab Mix, 3y/o F Vizsla.
2 weeks ago my Lab mix started to mark in the house He is fully trained and has been for about 3 years (ever since I got him from the pound) here is a Video of his level of obedience
I am stomped. I have no idea why all of a sudden he would start doing this.
Having said that. The boys have been having lots of body checking, harassing each other every chance they get and I feel that they have not been able to establish dominance/submission but that's another post.
So, any ideas of the cause and cures for this issue you can suggest will be great help. Please identify your "opinions" and "experiences" accordingly.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
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Quote: turk akbay
The boys have been having lots of body checking, harassing each other every chance they get and I feel that they have not been able to establish dominance/submission but that's another post.
There's the issue. You're allowing dogs to "work it out themselves." Why?
So now you've got one marking what's HIS in your house.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: tracy collins
Quote: turk akbay
The boys have been having lots of body checking, harassing each other every chance they get and I feel that they have not been able to establish dominance/submission but that's another post.
There's the issue. You're allowing dogs to "work it out themselves." Why?
So now you've got one marking what's HIS in your house.
I agree 100% with Tracy. IMO, this is a major handler error.
I feel that they have not been able to establish dominance/submission but that's another post.
Turk, with all due respect, it is you who has not established yourself as your pack's leader. It should never have been left up to them to "work out". It is one thing to teach fun tricks - most of us love doing so with our dogs. However, you have a pack and the dynamics of having three dogs together working things out for themselves could quickly go downhill. What is jossling today could easily be a nasty fight tomorrow. I'm glad you came here for help because I think you need to get this under control sooner than later.
I'd recommend getting Ed's DVD on Establishing Pack Structure and read all you can on this site on ground work, nothing in life is free, etc...
Do you have three crates for your dogs?
EDITED TO ADD: Turk, I realize you are supposed to be a "professional" trainer, but since you came here for advice I'm assuming you want it and are open to learning. Ed's videos will be a huge help if you aren't just jerking our chains.
Having said that. The boys have been having lots of body checking, harassing each other every chance they get and I feel that they have not been able to establish dominance/submission but that's another post.
So, any ideas of the cause and cures for this issue you can suggest will be great help. Please identify your "opinions" and "experiences" accordingly.
Thank you in advance for your time and help
In my experience you have issues - from marking to big time fights - any time you allow dogs to "work it out" for themselves. Period. If you have more than one dog, you need to make it clear to them that they do not work things out for themselves. That is your job. You are the leader.
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There is this propensity to equate obedience with pack structure. An obedient dog is not necessarily a dog who understands his place in the pack, or who to leader is. Obedience is simply conditioned responses that can be almost surgically manipulated using clicker and treat training. It doesn't mean the dog is well socialized to live comfortably in a pack.
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My trained adult dog started marking. Help
He is fully trained and has been for about 3 years (ever since I got him from the pound) 
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Re: My trained adult dog started marking. Help
It should never have been left up to them to "work out". It is one thing to teach fun tricks - most of us love doing so with our dogs. However, you have a pack and the dynamics of having three dogs together working things out for themselves could quickly go downhill. What is jossling today could easily be a nasty fight tomorrow. I'm glad you came here for help because I think you need to get this under control sooner than later.
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