Marking is a complex phenomenon that is considered "wired in" behavior, and is governed by the hormone testosterone. Since the testes make the bulk of testosterone, neutering at an early age can reduce the probability of marking. However, the adrenal gland also makes testosterone in both males and females, and if the dog is living with other dogs the adrenal glands pump in to make more. Smells can stimulate the glands to produce more testosterone, and this in tern encourages the marking response. Rule of thumb is if you get them neutered before testes produces enough hormone to enter the blood stream and cause changes in behavior, you can eliminate, indoor marking. All thumb rules go out the window when more dogs enter the picture. |