Housebroken Dog Still Lifts Leg at Son's House

Question:

Fred, the dog, is housebroken. Has been housebroken forever. But, a few times when we have gone to my son's house, he has lifted his leg, once on furniture and once on the floor. My son has animals; dog, cats, fish, tortoises, frogs, and probably other things. So, why would Fred, the dog, lift his leg there, but would never dream of doing it at home?

Thanks,
Janet

Answer:

He is probably trying to express dominance over your son's animals. This sounds like marking behavior, which is a separate issue from house-training. It is unusual since he is fixed, but it is still possible. I am guessing that he does not lift his leg when he urinates at home. If he does, it is possible that he was neutered too late in life.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM