My Pet World: Tips for getting dogs to pee outside and cats to pee inside
He is not marking to relieve himself, but to leave messages around the house, so the other dogs know he's the dominant dog in the home. Dogs like to mark places they have been marked before, so begin by using an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove his scent from the home.
Next, I am not sure why the "wraps" or belly bands didn't work, but I suggest using them again as they were invented for dogs that mark in the house. Even if he lifts his leg, he will wet the band and not your walls or furniture.
It's impossible to correct a behavior without catching the dog in the act, so if you don't use the bands, you will need to supervise him by restricting him to rooms you are in at the time or by putting him in a crate when you can't supervise. When he hikes his leg, interrupt the behavior by saying "no" and clapping your hands to get his attention. Then, take him outside and give him treats when he pees there.
It can take time to correct this behavior, so be consistent with the training.
Dear Cathy,
Regarding Gloria in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, (who was trying to get a feral cat to adapt to a litter box), tell her to cover the regular litter with outside dirt since that is what the feral cat is used to. It is not that difficult to get a feral cat to adapt to a litter box, but it takes patience. I have several cats that have adapted nicely. -- Rita, Hauppauge, NY
Dear Rita,
I received several letters from readers offering the same advice. They phased the dirt out over time, so eventually the cat was just using the litter. Using a Cat Litter Attractant might still be quicker, but I can see the benefits of using dirt to transition a feral cat to cat litter.
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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)
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