Hi, i have four male chihuahuas, three of which are neutered. My problem is that they all constantly mark their territory, i have to be with them 24/7 to stop them as they know it is wrong and wont do it in front of me. i've tried everything I can think of including 'dog off' and other such products. Given half a chance they would also poo in the house but i dont leave them alone long enough and since I moved house there seems less of a problem with this anyway for some reason. At the moment I can give them full access to the conservatory and garden whilst im at work so they are not stuck inside or out for too long but when I come home there is wee all up my chairs, walls etc and it isn't full wees' its just marking so they are going outside to wee. I cant tell them off because i don't know which, if not all have done it! They definatly know it is wrong though as they will not do it in front of me and if i ever do catch them they cower and run off! I just wish I could let them have the run of the house when I am out but its just not possible, i cant even leave them to go to the toilet and they are making my conservatory stink but I dont want to lock them outside or in their crate all day, even though they have a kennel, especially with winter coming up. Im really at my wits end and have e-mailed loads of other 'help sites' but none have replied. Can anyone help at all? Thank you
The problem lies with the fact that you have 4 male dogs.
One is trying to become alpha male (or is already the alpha), and is simply letting the other 3 know he`s top dog.
The problem won`t go away while you have 4 male dogs.
Why is the 4th one not neutored? is he the one spraying? or rather the one you`ve caught spraying in the past?
Have you asked a vet`s advice? or a reputable pet shop? Have you asked a dog behavioural expert?
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This is a feature of dogs especially when there is more than one. It is often a habit of dogs that are bred in kennels and it is difficult to alter this behaviour except through patience and persistence in their training. Another feature which is not generally recognised is the hierarchy but in this case the alfa male (followed by the others) do not regard you as being leader of their pack and this is important. It looks as if you have failed to establish leadership which could occur if you are not with them most of the time. Study closely their behaviour, both individually and collectively, to see if you can see a way of stamping your dominance. Once the leadership is lost to yourself you need to get rid of the alfa male to claim back your authority. I know it is hard to rid yourself of a pet but if you want have a clean house you have to 'rule the roost' and you have to be at the top of the pecking-order. Animals love leadership; humans need it!
If you were to study the dynamics of groups (which I am presuming you have not), which is not too difficult to comprehend, this feature of leadership becomes evident. There is always a leader whether formal or informal. Anyone who believes in democracy, which is a game people play, is living in cloud cuckoo land. Even in a partnership of two where harmony exists, there is one, who is always the leader. In a marital situation, whoever is the leader, the children will be of the opposite sex. In situations where it is the battle of the Titans for leadership (where wearing the crown remains unsettled) the children will be of both genders. Does this solve your dilemma or does it add to it?
Adds. I think you're right, but leadership/dominance is a lot more fluid, within couples or larger groups, and submission can be a deeply convoluted form of control. Don't know what to think.Thanks for responding.
