Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my 3-year-old dog marking on hanging items indoors?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dog is 3 yrs old and has recently starting peeing indoors. Not just having accidents on the floor but actually going on hanging things - a towel hanging over the banister, coat hanging on the end of the stairs or even clean sheets hanging over the radiator.. what does this mean? He also does this whilst people are home so it's not that he can't hold it, he's marking. I'm not really sure what to do with him except put him out to the toilet more often, praise him for being good & hope it stops?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

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

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on February 5th, 2018

I doubt that the behavior will stop on its own if you can't figure out what has started it. The first thing I would recommend would be to have your vet examine George and perform a urinalysis to make sure that there isn't a medical cause that has started this. If your vet can't find a medical cause then I would recommend figuring out a way to stop the behavior temporarily. I would use a Belly Band (https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-belly-bands-for-dogs/), so he does not have the opportunity to mark and ideally use baby gates, a crate or supervision to prevent him from having the opportunity to mark. 2 weeks after the last time he has marked (or attempted to mark if he has the belly band on), you can allow him more unsupervised time without the belly band on. Hopefully that will be enough to break this habit. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?
Did your pet bleed after matted fur removal? A trusted vet explains potential infection, wound care, and why immediate veterinary attention is crucial for healing.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored