Having a good pack structure reduces such problems. The dogs see all the
people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
a treat. Start at
http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/.
I am suspicious of those that claim to know what is going on in those furry little heads. I think he is upset you added an new pack member he didn't want. He is marking to show the house is his territory. You must take over as top dog. Neuter him if not already. It will take a while to convince him you had the right to add your daughter. In the meantime, you must constantly keep an eye on him, punishing him for marking, or restrict him when you can't watch him. Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with. Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for
dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.
Leave it some toys. Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter. Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up. It will do fine without even any
bedding. You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.
A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate. Praise it for going
in. If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate. This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.
Catching him in the act of marking calls for stronger corrections than the
otherwise effective "Bad dog!". When it misbehaves, throw it on its back, and
growl "Bad dog!" right in its face. Hold it down until it lifts one back leg
to show submission. You can pick him up with your hands behind his front
shoulders and hold him up with his back to you. Keeping him far enough away
to keep his head from smashing into your face, hold him until he stops
struggling and relaxes. Others like the squirt bottle. Fill it with water
and a little vinegar or lemon juice. Give it a squirt in the face as soon as
it misbehaves. Dogs hate that.
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