[lil fu fu girl]

Marking is a very interesting behavior which very few behavioralists are actually studying. However, Dr. Anneke Lisbergs' dissertation was on scent markings and urine investigation I believe.

What they do know, is that dogs communicate to other dogs through their urine; pheromones, sexual orientation, and status. Usually in a wild pack, the more dominant and physically developed dogs do most of the marking, as they pose the biggest threat.

Dogs use their urine to mark for many reasons. Once a dog has learned this behavior it is very hard to eradicate it, despite neutering, as this procedure does not affect their urinating. That is why many trainers recommend neutering before this behavior is learned.

So,urinating, is essentially what they are doing when they are marking. Males have been found to most often directly mark over other another dogs urine, whereas females have been found to mostly mark within a 4-5 foot range of it.

Dogs also urinate when frightened, or when they have not had time to "greet" other dogs properly. This frightened urination gives the other dogs something to focus on besides the stressed dog, in that way the other dogs still acquire all the information that they need, without distressing the dog in question.

Well, hope this helps with some added information.