I've been researching when/whether to neuter. I did a search on the Leerburg site, but most of what I saw addressed neutering to help w/aggression problems. I can't find the answer to my question which is: If I have an un-neutered male in the house, is there a chance that he will start "marking" the house by urinating indoors? Or does that only happen if there are pack-leader issues? Kodee is not quite 5 mos old, and I originally planned to neuter him around 6 mos (of course that's what our vet recommends). However, since doing my research, I've decided to leave him intact until at least 2 yrs of age, so he can finish maturing physically. I probably will neuter him at that point, as #1) won't have to worry about testicular cancer, and #2) if on the horrible off-chance that he gets outside loose (which I plan to never let happen), there are no unwanted puppies running around somewhere as a result.

When I worked in a vet clinic, we saw male cats who started marking the house, and once they were in the habit of it, neutering didn't always stop the problem. I realize that dogs are totally different animals, but I don't know if this happens w/them or not. If I leave Kodee intact, and he knows I'm the pack leader, is it unlikely that he will begin marking the house later? He is the only dog we have, and he's the only indoor pet we have, if that matters.

I'd appreciate any input any of you can give me. Or if you can point me to where to find this information, that'd be great too. Thanks!

My personal experience w/up to 4 intact males is that my Chi is the only punk to ever do this in the house. Regardless of how territorial and dominant the others are, they have never done it. Oh, and due to cryptorchidism, the Chi was neutered at 5.5yrs, and he STILL does it when pissed off...usually fills up my favorite shoes.

Do what you want, but research testicular cancer and THEN decide if that's enough reason to neuter...really not all that common, and you can easily neuter at that time. Prostate cancer is much worse, and more likely in neutered animals. Make your own decision, but please know all the FACTS about what you are trying to prevent and how effective neutering will be.

Hi Kori.

I understand your issue with marking indoors. I too have seen many male cats that were horrible markers. I know nothing about training them not to, or why it is such an issue with them. But I can tell you that with all of my male dogs it is nothing more than a house breaking issue.

I have always handled it as this and never had a problem at my house. When young, my current male did once try to mark in my mom’s house. Once. I scared the daylights out of him with a “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!” and took him out side and gave him the “ Go potty” command. Not the best way to go perhaps, but those boys are just so quick about lifting their legs! I have not had a problem since. OK, well I did at a pet store. But I was told (while my face was flaming red) that all the dogs that come in mark there.

When at a home with other dogs (especially a male) I am careful anyway about keeping him close to me or in a down stay to keep the peace. I can see that this may be a situation where a dog may mark, so my precautions prevent that as well.

So in answer to your question, I have not noticed an issue with my intact males “marking” indoors beyond normal house breaking. So to me it would stand to reason that it “should” make no difference to you.

Good luck!

The only dog I've ever had that marked in the house was Kimbo, a kennel dog that I was training and had never been house broken. I broke him of that stupid crap real fast. It shouldnt be an issue. I am not big on neutering, I dont see the point unless you're not responsible enough to keep him away from females in heat.

My male minpin is neutered and my female minpin is spayed.
Harley (the male) does mark and does lift his leg to do it, but NOT in the house. All over outside, but he's housebroken. It's been in my experience that a dog that is well house trained will not mark inside their own house.
My female also marks and lifts one hind leg a little off the ground while she's doing it. She also is well house trained and does not mark inside.
However, when we moved to our new home, she did feel the need to "mark it as her own". Only the one time, and never again after we moved in.
So, I'd have to say that neutering does not affect marking behavior, in my experience.

 Quote: Janice Jarman

All over outside, but he's housebroken. It's been in my experience that a dog that is well house trained will not mark inside their own house.

Mine too.

Also, marking (IME) is deliberate, well-aimed, easy to see the dog getting ready to do it (because of course you do not have an untrained dog loose in the house, out of sight).... simple to correct.

I have had two who thought they were going to mark in the house when they first came, too, but like Mike, I ended that right away. No issue.

My deceased Rott marked once or twice each time me moved to a new house. There were 3 relocations. He never did any marking any other time.