How to Stop a Dog Spraying After Neutering

Spraying, also known as marking, is a behavior used to mark territory, communicate gender and assert dominance. Although spaying or neutering is often an effective way of dealing with the spraying behavior, it is not always a solution. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do at home to help teach your dog that spraying is not an acceptable behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Whistle
  • Sticky paper
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cage
  • Paper towels
  • Black light
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Baking soda
  • Old tooth brush
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Liquid dish detergent
  • Vacuum
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Instructions

  1. Eliminating the Behavior

    • 1

      Make a loud noise when you think your dog is about to spray. You can use a whistle, shake an empty soda can filled with coins or clap your hands---anything that will distract your dog from the task. This will divert his attention from spraying and redirect it on you.

    • 2

      Line the ground in areas your dog likes to spray with sticky paper. You can use shelf paper or tape. Most dogs do not like walking on the stickiness, which will discourage your dog from visiting that area. Cover furniture that your dog will spray with aluminum foil. Similar to the sticky paper, your dog will not like the feel of it beneath her feet. When your dog sprays on the foil, the noise and possible urine spraying back on her will further discourage the behavior.

    • 3

      Let him know who is boss. Let him know you are the dominate one in the relationship. Many dogs spray in an attempt to establish their dominance in the family unit. Assert your dominance by entering rooms before your dog, keeping him off your bed, keeping him from jumping on you, or preventing any other behavior that makes him feel in charge or equal to you. If you are struggling with a particularly dominant dog, contact a training professional in your area for further assistance.

    • 4

      Do not leave your dog unsupervised until the spraying behavior is broken. Unsupervised dogs have the opportunity to repeat undesirable behaviors without punishment. When you cannot monitor her, put her in a cage or outside. Slowly work up to more freedom as she proves she can handle being unsupervised without spraying.

    • 5

      Remove the spraying odor. If your dog can smell the urine smell of her spray, she is more likely to spray there again.

    Removing Spray Odor

    • 6

      Absorb as much of the urine spray as possible using paper towels. If you are trying to clean old spots, pass a black light over your carpet to find dried spots. Urine spots glow under a black light.

    • 7

      Combine equal parts white distilled vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the spot with the vinegar solution until the spot is fully saturated. Allow the area to almost dry completely.

    • 8

      Apply a layer of baking soda over the spot. Apply enough to cover the area.

    • 9

      Mix 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent. Pour the hydrogen peroxide mixture over the baking soda and use an old toothbrush to rub it into the spot. The goal is to completely dissolve the baking soda.

    • 10

      Allow the spot to dry completely and then vacuum the dried mixture.