Dog scenting woes !

[macabethiel]

We have two neutered male Chihuahuas one is 13 years old the other is 6 years old. They spend the night in our conseravatory together and if they want to go for a pee or a dump they go out of the cat flap and oblige in the garden pretty much using the same part of the garden (that I clean up daily).

A couple of days ago we moved our latest pup (female Chuhuahua) into the conservatory to live with the two boys. She spent the first week in the kitchen where she continued to use a dog nappy on the floor or old newspaper. No issues with fighting or anything and during the day they spend time in our lounge where they all behave as they should.

We put paper down in the conservatory for the female pup and she mostly does her bit on the paper or outside as we peg the cat flap open during the day.

Problem is one or both of the males are now peeing big style in the conservatory especially on the pups bedding or oddly enough near the paper and generally circling where the female sleeps.

Clearly the new addition has prompted this cycle of peeing or scenting and am wondering how to best cure them of it.
I am assuming that the males feel insecure or threatened by the new arrival and this is the reason for the change in behaviour anyone had this problem and any advice to fix it.

We could put the female back on her own in the kitchen again but this is not ideal until she is fully house trained and either way when we re-introduce her to skip in the conservatory the boys will start scenting again.

[solarman216]

problem is the males although neutered they do not know that, and now a female is on the scene, they are in competition and so marking in that respect, as for the cure I cannot help other than suggest separation for a while till the competition/urge subsides, Rick

[terranosaurusdoug]

Originally Posted by solarman216

problem is the males although neutered they do not know that, and now a female is on the scene, they are in competition and so marking in that respect, as for the cure I cannot help other than suggest separation for a while till the competition/urge subsides, Rick

I second that, have the two males been behaving differently towards each other?

[macabethiel]

Originally Posted by terranosaurusdoug

I second that, have the two males been behaving differently towards each other?

Only real change between the males is that they have become much closer both wanting to sit with myself or the wife on our settee. Previously the younger male always sat on his own on the small "Dog Sofa" in the lounge.

If one was with me the other used to be aloof and sit away but now they almost sit on top of one another without fighting to be close to me or the wife.

The pup seems oblivious to both of them and just runs around being playfull before tiring herself out and having a sleep.

[terranosaurusdoug]

Ah I see, think it just might take some time then!
If it were me I would just encourage them to play and walk together or otherwise familiarise them with each other more, they obviously feel a bit put out lol

[macabethiel]

Well this morning went into the Conservatory with trepidation and to my surprise no scenting by the two boys !
We have been giving them some extra fuss over the last two evenings and though "One Swallow does not make a Summer" it is a start in the right direction.

Also picked up a hint about not using floor cleaners with bleach in due to the ammonia scent. Instead I use a basic Cif and finish off with a spot of vinegar & water.