My neutered dog pees on other dogs. Is this normal marking behavior?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. No, it is not concerning that he is mounting other dogs. This is a dominance behavior, more than a sexual behavior. Neutering does not make these types of behaviors go away - even some female dogs will mount other dogs! Rico is likely just playing and trying to assert his dominance and be "alpha" to the other dogs. As long as he acts playful to the other dogs and is not being aggressive/biting/fighting, this mounting is just fine! I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Rico!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. There are certain health benefits for neutering dogs. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and certain testicular tumors can be prevented by neutering dogs. However, dogs can also live happy and normal lives intact. Behavioral problems such as territorial aggression and marking may be reduced by neutering dogs as well. Once neutered, Dante will not behave more like a female, this is a misconception and does not happen. He may become more calm and not as hyper or aggressive once he is neutered and this is due to the reduction in circulating hormones following removal of the testicles. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Yes, neutering may indeed help even though he is not a puppy anymore. As for your question, "is this something we can control?" This article has some great information and tips. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/prevent_urine_marking.html?credit=web_id110528407 I hope thats helpful for you!! Thanks for asking PetCoach!

It is not sexual, but it is behavioral. This is how they are establishing which will be the dominant, leader of the pack, dog. You do not have to stop some things but I would keep a close watch on the growling and make sure it does not progress to biting or attacking. From there it the behaviors will likely improve as they adjust more

Is there a reason you are not planning on desexing the older dog? Unless you are planning on breeding him it is best to have him castrated. This behavior of urinating on the puppy is a dominance behavior and it will only get worse. It is best to "nip it in the bud" and the way to do that is to have him desexed. The snapping at the puppy is also worriesome and a sign of aggression/dominance. I'm glad he seems OK now but this behavior could escalate especially as the younger puppy gets older and comes into sexual maturity himself. Just something to think about. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It is possible, but it is also possible he is urine marking because if he was only neutered in the last few months, or merely because there is a new cat present. I would suggest the following article to help; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-reasons-for-potty-accidents-in-dogs/

He probably started marking when his hormones increased. Now that he’s neutered these levels will go down over the next four to six weeks. Please clean all of the area he’s marked with lemon or vinegar cleaner to remove the scent. I recommend going back to crate training for housebreaking, or using a male belly band when you aren’t able to monitor him. Please take him outside or to the pee pad frequently so he has a chance to urinate there. Marking behavior can become a habit so working to stop this right away is best. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care Toby.