Puppy Care Guide
Week 37 – Understanding and Managing Marking Behaviour
As your puppy enters adolescence, you may notice them lifting a leg or urinating in unusual places — even after being potty-trained. This natural behaviour, known as marking, is a form of communication, not mischief. Understanding and guiding this instinct is key to a calm, confident home.
🚫 Avoid Harsh Punishment
Scolding or punishment can make marking worse by increasing fear and anxiety. Dogs mark to express stress or claim security, not to disobey. Stay calm and redirect their behaviour instead.
💡 PetGo Tip: Calm, consistent redirection and patience are far more effective than raised voices.
💬 Why Dogs Mark
- Territorial behaviour — claiming a space or object.
- Anxiety or environmental stress.
- Separation anxiety or changes in guardian routine.
- New smells, pets, or visitors.
- Social signaling — communicating maturity or status.
🧠 Puppies often mark due to uncertainty or excitement rather than dominance.
🧠 Understand the Root Cause
Marking spikes when something changes — a move, visitors, or new furniture. These shifts can make your dog insecure, and marking reassures them of their space.
- Have routines changed recently?
- New pets, furniture, or visitors?
- Less play or outdoor time?
🌿 Reducing Stress & Anxiety
- Take regular walks so marking happens outdoors naturally.
- Provide mental enrichment — puzzle toys or nosework.
- Keep feeding and sleeping schedules consistent.
- Reward calm behaviour and proper bathroom habits.
💡 PetGo Tip: Physical exercise + mental stimulation = calmer dogs who mark less.
🧴 Clean Thoroughly & Remove Odours
Clean urine immediately using an enzymatic cleaner — regular products only mask scent for humans, not dogs.
- Blot moisture first, then apply enzyme cleaner.
- Avoid ammonia-based products — they mimic urine smell.
- Block access until the area dries completely.
💡 PetGo Tip: Place food or bedding in previously marked areas — dogs rarely mark where they eat or sleep.
🧼 PetGo Shop | Keep your home fresh and odor-free during Week 37.
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🐕🦺 Behavioural Management & Training
- Limit space until consistent potty behaviour returns.
- Praise every correct bathroom action.
- Consider neutering if marking seems hormone-driven.
- Never yell or punish — it worsens anxiety.
💡 PetGo Tip: If marking persists, rule out medical issues like infections or stones with your vet.
💡 When to Seek Veterinary Help
Marking can mimic urinary illness. Visit your vet if your dog:
- Urinates frequently in small amounts.
- Cries or strains while urinating.
- Has blood in urine.
- Suddenly breaks house-training routines.
🩺 PetGo Reminder: Always rule out medical issues before addressing behaviour.
💞 Building Trust Through Understanding
Marking fades as your puppy gains confidence and emotional security. Replace frustration with calm consistency — your dog learns best through trust, not tension.
💛 PetGo Reminder: Understanding first — correction second. A calm guardian builds a confident companion.
🌟 Quick Summary
- Avoid punishment — focus on calm correction.
- Reduce stress with routine, exercise, and play.
- Eliminate odours completely to prevent remarking.
- Consult a vet to rule out medical issues.
- Celebrate small improvements — progress builds confidence.
Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide
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