My Pet World: 14-year-old dog no longer comes when called. Why?
— Lori, Suffolk, New York
Dear Lori,
If your Pomeranian/Siberian Husky mix is intact, it can be almost impossible to break this instinctive behavior to attract female dogs. Neutering him can reduce his need to mark within weeks or months of the procedure.
Aside from that, it’s all about interrupting the unwanted behavior. Use an enzymatic cleaner where he marks and use plug-in canine pheromones in those rooms. Limit his access to the entire house, so you can catch him when he tries to mark. Shake a can of coins, use a Pet Corrector®, or make a loud slap to startle and interrupt the unwanted behavior. Then, redirect him with a puzzle toy to keep his mind busy.
Discourage him from marking during a walk as well. Let him pee in your yard before and after, but not during the walk. If he tries to mark, interrupt him by walking in the opposite direction.
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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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