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How do I stop my neutered pug from marking on furniture indoors?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 18 lbs

I have a 1 year old pug (who is neutered) who keeps on lifting his leg all over the house. He does it all the time! Last year he had been treated for an bladder infection. I have a couple other dogs who are good and don't do this. My pug lifts his leg on furniture, blankets, backpacks, and anything else on the floor that might look good to him.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 24th, 2017

Sounds like Pugsley may still be exhibiting marking behavior! If you have other dogs in the house or aren't properly removing the urine scent from the house, it may be compelling him to continue marking. If you catch him in the act, stop him immediately and take him outside to finish going. In the house you can use baby gates to limit access to certain areas of the house where he attempts to mark to help stop the habit. Keeping him in a kitchen or other easy to clean area can help. For removing any marked areas, an enzymatic cleaner is best as it will break down the urine particles that may be attracting him to lift his leg there again and can help stop the habit.

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 21st, 2017

    Things not to do! • When you witness your dog marking, do not yell at him or use other types of direct punishment. This may lead to your dog marking when you are not present, or sneaking off to mark. Do not punish your dog after the fact by rubbing their nose in it, etc as your dog will not associate it with the marking that happened awhile ago. Summary Though your dog may drive you crazy marking around the house, it is not a hopeless situation! There are many steps you can take to eliminate or minimize the behavior, beginning with neutering. Start by analyzing why your dog is marking to determine if there is an underlying problem. Animals also depend on their owners to teach them appropriate behaviors, so you must be consistent with your rules. By starting with a few of these simple changes, you may be able to correct your dog's inappropriate marking. If you should need further assistance be sure to contact your veterinarian, who may send you to a board certified veterinary behaviorist.

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