[ccatgo]

Hi all - I just found this forum and am excited to start using it. Here's my issue.
I have a 3 year old dox that has been neutered since he was 6 months old. Over the last 3 years we have slowly added other dogs to the pack, 1 male, 3 females all fixed. Beanie was fine with all of the additions, even when the pups were going through their housebreaking. Last year he started having seizures. I took him to the vet and after all the testing we found there was nothing wrong. I was told to monitor the frequency and duration for a few months then we would talk about meds. He had one about every 30 days for 3 months then they stopped. I have my suspicions that it was his dog food. I had switched brands for awhile and when I switched back is when they stopped. Now my only issue is that he has started going through the house "marking" things while I'm at work. I've tried the pee pads but he doesn't use them. I've scrubbed everything down with quality odor killer. The worst part is now his little brother has picked up the habit. Crating is not a possibilty...... any other suggestions??? I love him dearly and will never get rid of him but I don't want to spend the next 10+ years cleaning up every time I go home. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!! :)

[bushg]

Why is crating not a possibility?

[labman]

It isn't uncommon for leadership challenges anytime until a dog is past 3. It is possible better leadership from you might help, but I am afraid it is grasping at a straw. I am not sure how you know which dog it is and that the second one is too, but they could be competing for the top spot. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. 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 Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

Crating is highly effective, but I hate to see a dog go over 4-5 hours in a crate. If you can't give him a break, could a neighbor or a professional dog walker? The ultimate is doggy day care. I have no idea what it would cost for several dogs. Volume discount?