Question:
Hi, I have a weird predicament. I have 3 medium-large dogs. A male lab mix (unsure of age [2-3 possibly, he was found on the street]. Not fixed), a 6 yr old female chocolate lab (fixed), and a black 4 yr old male Shepherd mix (fixed). All have lived together for at least 2 years. We have 2 boys (4 and 1). The dogs have always stayed inside during the day when we’re away. I work nights 5a-5p and my wife works days 8-5. The issue I’m having is the female lab urinates and deficates in the house almost daily no matter if she is locked in a room by herself, with the Shepherd, with the other lab, or with both. The male lab has recently started deficating in the house but does not urinate and does not mark. The Shepherd marks constantly in the house, on tables, chairs, my guitars, on the kids toys, on his dog food bowl. They are taken outside once I get home at 5, when my wife leaves at 7 again before I leave for work and again before my wife goes to sleep. Is there anything we can do to fix any of these problems? If these cannot be fixed we have no choice but to find them other homes as we cannot have them doing this in the house with small children.
Thank you!
Answer:
You have a confusing dilemma. We must evaluate each dog as a separate issue in order to discover the meat of the problem. Each dog can be playing off the other. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for their read on the situation. Medications like flea and tick and heartworm prevention can affect dogs in terrible ways. Have you changed suppliers or name brands? What is common to each dog?
First, I highly recommend neutering the male. Testosterone levels in an intact male are intimidating and sometimes threatening to other dogs. You can speak with your veterinarian about the benefits of neutering.
Second tact is to limit the available access to the home by all dogs. Certainly away from the frequent mess places. Those spots must be odor eradicated. I recommend 50% white vinegar + 50% water. Saturate the spots and allow the air to dry and evaporate the moisture. Always test a hidden area before treating. Most dogs do not appreciate the smell of vinegar and the chemical properties promote odor absorption into the air.
Third, do not feed your dogs in the morning at all. Only water. Make sure they all eliminate their bowels and bladder before you leave for the day. Feed them at night when you’re home.
Fourth, ask yourselves if any environmental changes have occurred when this began… Chemicals on the grass? even your neighbors lawn. New dogs in the neighborhood? New sounds, air-conditioner compressor, distant factory newly activated? All of these have been known to upset dogs to the level of the behaviors you are experiencing.
You need to become a detective. Like on TV, there is always a reason for such behaviors. You know your dogs better than anyone. Open your minds as if you are being paid to discover the answer. Take nothing for granted, study your animals as if you don’t know them at all for a new perspective.
Praying for your discovery.
K9-Jack
Longshot Farms
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