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How to stop an 8-month-old intact male dog from marking indoors?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Collie | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 10 days old

Our 8 month old intact male dog has begun marking in the house! How do we train him out of this behavior? Please don't say neuter him. He will be used for breeding so that is not an option.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on October 3rd, 2017

I'm so sorry. I gave you the wrong link. Here is the link to the belly band. https://www.bellybands.net/?gclid=CjwKEAjw6szOBRCF2sPTjfrJuXASJADDOLEFVdGuOhr7zixasptzgm07EhfZGGbFoPwReWwsVRzGRhoCFm3w_wcB

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on

    Marking is a normal behavior for male dogs as they reach sexual maturity, so it will take some committment to retrain him, but I'm glad you're starting right away. The first thing I would do is to get a belly band (https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2607). That will stop him from actually marking areas with his scent while you are working on training him. The only way to teach him that it is not acceptible to mark in the house is to catch him in the act. That may require putting up baby gates or keeping him on a leash in the house so he is always under supervision. When he lifts his leg to mark on something, make a loud noise and tell him "No!" Collies are smart and he will get the idea quickly, but the key is not to let him out of your sight while you are working on this training. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2017

    You can try to train him to not mark in the house, but because he's intact his marking is most likely due to hormones. The best thing to do is neuter him, but if you don't want to, check out this website from the Humane Society that has tips on how to try to reduce the behavior: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/prevent_urine_marking.html

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 25th, 2020

    If the dogs are not neutered that is the easiest way to reduce marking behavior as it is often related to hormones. Cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner on any marked spots can also reduce the smell and prevent remarking, however if both dogs are not neutered and together they may be trying to pee over each other's scents. Taking them out often for potty training (especially the puppy) and keeping them out of areas they mark can also help.

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