Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 8/12/2007

Question
I have a male chi that came from a local shelter.  We got him when he was about a year and a half old and he was neutered before he was adopted to me at that time. I have had him 3 years.  He had an occasional time when he would urinate in the house but I never caught him and it was not often.   My daughter now has a male Jack Russell that is in an apartment attached to our house.The Jack is neutered also.    At first the dogs got along ok and then they started to fight and Jojo, my chi was no match for the Jack so we started keeping them apart.  Now my chi marks around the house almost every day but I can't catch him doing it. I just don't know what to do to stop him. They share a yard space but not at the same time.  I also have a female chi mix that I have had for 2 years.  Jojo didn't start the constant marking until the Jack came into our lives.  Is there any thing we can do to stop Jojo from marking?  Thanks

Answer
Dear Glenda,
Thanks for the question. It sounds as if your guy is marking due to stress and anxiety - because of the JRT.
To reduce the marking, you'll need to teach the dogs to get along.

Successfully managing several dogs can be quite a task, especially if two of them fight.  This is too tough to explain her. Buy the book, Feeling Outnumbered? How to manage and Enjoy a Multi-Dog Household buy Patricia McConnell.  Good luck!
AT