I heard you on KGO today tell a woman that her dog’s urinating in the house was due to his hormones. We have a neutered Bichon/terrier mix who wets vertical surfaces. How can I stop this, or is it impossible to train a Bichon? I’ve heard that’s so. Is there a way of treating his favorite areas so he won’t use them anymore? Thanks.

From: Claudia, in Orinda California

Dear Claudia,

Thanks so much for writing. Maybe you misunderstood -- I said that an intact male marks much more than a neutered one. It’s unlikely that your dog is marking, he’s just not housebroken! He’s relieving himself wherever he wants, which is quite different. All males urinate on vertical objects -- it comes with lifting your leg! “Marking” is a smaller amount of urine, and done to claim territory from other dogs.

Bichon Frises are some of the smartest dogs around, and are not hard to teach housetraining to, or anything else! I can’t imagine who told you they’re impossible.

Please look under Housetraining in THE DOG BIBLE, and follow the instructions there precisely. Treat your dog as though he is ten weeks old, and let him really get the concept of housetraining, and then earn the right for freedom by complying with the rules of where and when he can go. It’s never too late to teach a dog anything, but you must be committed and consistent.

Hope this helps.

Tracie Hotchner