Vindictive pee-er and Marking! HELP!

[gingerandgunnersmom]

Hey All!

My name is Shana and I'm a proud new mom to 4 month old pups Ginger and Gunner. They are treeing walker coonhounds and so sweet. We (my boyfriend and I) rescued them a week ago. They have NO MANNERS at all due to the organization they were at super spoiled them (they were the only puppies). We are no strangers to puppy training. Not too familiar with the breed but we're quick studies.

Gunner, our male, is more passive, quiet, but coming out of his shell the more he realizes that this is now "home". Ginger, our female, is dominant, nosey, and head strong. And she marks!!! Gunner hardly ever marks, Ginger does it constantly. I have heard that female marking is rare. But since she seems to be the dominant in this pair (they're brother and sister) I'm not surprised. The problem is she marks/pee's every 5-10 minutes! in the house, in the yard, on walks. Sometimes nothing comes out, she just squats. They do not get water past 7 pm. I'm concerned about her accidents in the house. We let them out every half hour it seems, mostly due to her accidents. We're heavy on praising them and treating when they do good. I know she might have a UTI which can cause frequent urination. but if they vet rules that out, how do i get her to stop?!?!

Also, today my boyfriend let them out of they're crate when he got home. they have already learned to go to the back door once they are released from the crate. but today ginger looked right at my boyfriend and the backdoor and peed in front of him! Gunner had already gone outside so she could of followed her brother, so it seems that she did it on purpose. Is this normal??

sorry for the lengthy post. any and all feedback is welcome! thank you!

-Shana

[kian]

Welcome Shana!

Yes do check for a UTI, take a sample with you and it is easy to get. Get a sterlized glass jar with a lid and while she squats slip the lid under her. I had to that with my female to rule that out before I started behaviour training. Rule that out first and then get back to me.

Dogs do not do that on purpose, she needs more training. Don't get mad at her, start the re-training process. A dog is NOT housetrained until 6 months and 1 month without a accident. Be sure you go out with them, no excuses!

My female is a marker, never in the house. She didn't start marking outside till after 8 months of age. 4 months is early, that is why she needs to be checked ASAP. She was frequent as well, a every 15 minute puppy. By 4 months of age I had it undercontrol. When you know the results, then let us know, I hate to give you modifying info until you know for sure and welcome to DP Shana!

[gingerandgunnersmom]

its a UTI! and im relieved! mostly because i know its fixable. i do feel bad though because the vet said her levels were pretty high so its a pretty moderate UTI. but i cant beat my self up too much we've only had them a week. since i posted last, they've both been better about going potty outside. only a couple accidents here and there. now our next issue is gunner is a chewer!!! the joy of puppies!

[kian]

Yes, and much easier to fix than a behaviour issue! Glad you found out, life will get better! We do have a chewing thread under the Behaviour Section.