Some folks still believe that their pet is just being spiteful, or it only happens with male in-tact dogs, so let me just clarify a few of these ideas. There are many reasons for this behavior.

Male marking is often times a territorial issue. Whether neutered or not, male or female, this is an instinctual habit that seems to enhance as the hormones begin to mature (approximately 6 to 9 months in most breeds). It is especially prominent when more than one dog is in the household or a female is in heat.

Territorial issues can also become obvious when company comes into their house (they are bringing strange or different scents on them or their belongings), same is true when a new pet or a guest pet visits, or a new baby is introduced into the household. Get the picture—anything NEW triggers this behavior! Try setting down a grocery bag or a new article of clothing; ever notice that brand new rug is the first to be marked? New items can pose as a threat for whatever reason and MUST be marked in the eyes of your beloved Fido to give a proper introduction into the home. Marking is a key factor in the way your dog communicates.

Then there is the issue of prior marking. It is extremely hard to get prior urine/fecal matter completely out of carpets, drapes, furniture, etc. A dog has many more nasal sensors than any human being can imagine. With approximately 200 million nasal olfactory receptors, they can detect and pass information to the brain in the time it takes to stop and sniff a mailbox. In that short time, they can tell the entire history of that mailbox and every detail encountered. Hiring professionals to do a heavy duty job cleaning can not remove every olfactory scent.

Often times when a heavy scent or cleaning agent is used, your pet will instinctively want to put his (or her) scent over the scent that you've just put down. And the cycle continues...

Your dog may have medical reasons like bladder or urinary issues, or incontinence due to weak muscle control. Take your pet to a Vet for a thorough check up before sentencing him/her to the back room or outside.

Remember this is not just a problem with an in-tack dog. It can happen with neutered males or spayed females as well. Early proper training and continued follow-through is the key. If you are a working person and expect your dog to entertain him or herself all day without the privilege of potty breaks, then that is the wrong expectation. Never hit your dog or puppy. Always use positive reinforcement and frequent potty breaks. If you have to be gone all day, your pet(s) quarters should be limited and not given the run of the house until he/she can prove they can handle it.