Why does my dog pee over other dogs' scent marks?

> Have you already introduced him to your parents' dog?

He could learn to respect her, at the very least. And maybe they could get along?

Yes, I used to walk them together when I first adopted him back in August, but one day, coming back from a walk, he 'bit' her on the head. It seems the girl tried to sniff his bits while my mum was wiping her down in the hallway (a very cramped space), which he obviously didn't like, hence the reaction. We've preferred to keep them apart since then, as she nearly lost an eye. My parents' dog hasn't been socialised either, so it’s a bit of a difficult situation.

> Does he come across them often?

No, 80% of the time his hackles go up when we pass other dogs. He violently attacked a Newfoundland a few days ago; it was the first time I’d seen him so out of control, but it was my fault as he was off the lead. Fortunately, the Newfoundland was okay.

It’s just normal dog behaviour; he’s leaving a scent message for the ones that follow. It’s rare to find a dog that doesn't do it – I certainly haven't come across one yet.

Mine doesn't lift his leg just yet, but he's very thorough about sniffing all the "strategic" spots.

Have you introduced him to your parents' dog yet?

He might learn to respect her, at the very least. And they might even end up getting along!

You mentioned that he doesn't often get on with other dogs.

Is he around them much? Has he been since he was a pup? That’s what’s usually recommended, though in practice it’s often easier said than done. You need well-behaved dogs in your circle, which is actually quite rare... I only know one, and he’s a 17-year-old golden oldie!

It’s a way of communicating; he’s saying ‘I was here’ so that other dogs know. It’s not about dominance – it’s like a Facebook page where one dog leaves a comment and the next one leaves one too.

Marking is basically their version of social media 😁 – it lets them know who’s been by (boys vs girls).

It’s definitely true that the boys mark much more than the girls do – mine has to do a full inspection of every lamppost, tree, or anything else that must smell interesting, and then... pop, a quick tinkle! Mind you, by the end of the walk, he’s lifting his leg for about three drops or just for the sake of it 🤭