@DebraDownSouth Thanks Debra, you've given me a lot to think about. I think I'll start immediately with the "leave it" training at home and then get in touch with some trainers/behaviorists in my area. I'm not expecting any miracles here but, like you said, even just learning to ignore other dogs would make such a difference.
Aggressive peeing
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I have three dogs, one is a full blooded basenji, one is a mix and I have a lab. My wife and I take in foster basenjis. When our last foster came in, basil (our full blooded basenji) began struggling with house training and became extremely aggressive with the new dog. After her departure, basil continued to struggle with house training issues. After my wife had our first child he completely gave up n house training and frequently holds it in when left outside for long periods so as to go in the house. He is also now urinating and defecating on the furniture, carpets and anywhere else he sees fit. At times he pulls blankets off the couch so as to urinate on them. He recently started pulling my clothes down from chairs and peeing on them. He isn't aggressive with us, though he is protective of us against the other dogs. How do I fix this? I am on the edge of getting rid of him… Which I don't want to do.
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Do you actually walk him every day or just expect that he will do his business if put outside?
You need to go back to house training basics. That means you can't put him out and just expect he will do what is expected. You either need to go out with him and praise him if he goes or take him for a walk and praise him when he does his business outside.
It sounds like you have many big changes in your household and he may not really understand how he fits into it. Get him into a routine and make sure he is getting some one on one attention.
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I walk him several times a week… On walking days he doesn't defecate in the house, but he still urinates. I forgot to mention that he particularly loves pet beds as peeing targets. We usually leave out 2 of them for our pups and he has taken to peeing on both at first opportunity.
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Ok, you need to go further back with your training, He needs to be leashed with you at all times. It will not be fun, but if you can do this and crate when you are gone, and give treats and praise like crazy when he goes outside. maybe vet check to be sure no infection in kidneys or bladder to be a cause. Take him out on a leash every day and don't bring in until he does the job. Keep gates up so he cannot get into bedrooms & bathrooms. And hate to say, but hang up the clothes and keep closet doors closed. Our B Kell, failed foster, did purposeful peeing on our bed 2 days in a row, not happy campers here, but we went back on the beginning training, and after a time he got with the program, but all rooms are gated now or the doors kept closed. It is very frustrating, I know this, but I do believe with work it will come about for you. At least the dog has not marked you, when we brought in a new dog, my old man Cory decided to prove who I belonged to by marking me when I was sitting on the couch! this breed is something else.
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Is this dog neutered?
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Is this dog neutered?
+1
How old is he?
Also have you talked to the vet about this? I think he needs a urinalysis, a full thyroid pannel (since you said he was being aggressive), and maybe test for some tick-related diseases (can also cause aggression). YOU CANNOT TRAIN HIM OUT OF IT IF IT IS A PHYSICAL PROBLEM. That's why the vet check is so important. Especially since you said this is a new problem.
Once you have all that checked out, start re-training him. Enroll him in a positive training method family dog/ good manners/ obedience class. This will help re-establish you relationship.
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Has your dog been tested for fanconi? Do you do strip testing? That can tell you a lot.
I am inclined to think this might be a physical issue…
Most b's like to have "clean" areas to live in. -
If peeing on other dog beds, to me this indicates "marking" these items as his… and saying I am in charge here and these things are mine. Or marking them because he doesn't understand his place and is uncomfortable with the situations.
But you need to make sure it is not a physical problem first.
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I have many dogs come and go from my home and frequently when new young males, even neutered come to my house they often feel the need to mark. I have 4 intact males at my house, I also find on occasion after a visitor leaves or if a bitch is in season or close my 4 boys may begin to show unusual marking issues. My boys are usually very good about not marking in my house.
I have found using a schedule and regular house training techniques to start helps but I also use belly bands which I line with panty liners. This takes the stress out of the situation for the owner and dog. Your home won't get ruined while you train. Keep his area small, I close off rooms with gates so the dog is in my sight.
I find if a dog is tethered to you with a lead he will stop marking but when the lead comes off you are often back where you started. I would also recommend ruling out health issues, especially if the peeing is large amounts and not just marking in small amounts or if he is urinating frequenlty it may be a medical issue ie; stones, infection, fanconi, kidney issues, injury etc.
I keep a basket of belly bands in my house for visitors, it puts everyone at ease if their dog begins to smell an area we can calmly make sure the dogs aren't marking and no one is panicing about my house getting ruined. If an accident occurs, we take off the band, put the dog outside with the potty command and replace the panty liner with a clean one.
Good luck, hope he is okay.
Therese -
I would start off with a vet visit, blood work and urinalysis to rule out any physical problems.
