You can stop indoor marking in a few weeks
This is reversible. Marking is usually a habit and territory issue, not a potty training issue. The fix is simple, prevent any successful indoor marks while building a strong outside routine.
The mission
For the first 2 to 4 weeks, the priority is zero successful indoor marks. Every successful mark reinforces the habit, so we prevent rehearsal while teaching a new pattern.
Phase 1 (Days 1 to 14): Boot camp, in a good way
- No free roaming indoors. He is tethered to you (leash clipped), crated, or in a small gated area with direct supervision.
- Potty breaks every 1 to 2 hours at first, plus after waking, meals, and play.
- Reward outdoor pees immediately after he finishes (treat + calm praise).
- Belly band is optional as a safety net, but it does not replace supervision and routine.
Simple potty routine
Use the same outdoor spot. Quietly wait 3 to 5 minutes, then go back inside if nothing happens. Consistency beats intensity.
Interrupt and redirect (catch the pre-mark)
Watch for: intense sniffing, corner scanning, furniture legs, tail up, posture shift, leg lift.
- Calm interrupter sound (quick “ah-ah” or a clap), no yelling.
- Immediately go outside.
- If he pees outside, reward.
Clean the scent properly
Use an enzymatic cleaner. Regular cleaners do not fully remove scent cues. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
Phase 2 (Weeks 2 to 4): Earned freedom
- Start with one room only.
- Expand after 3 to 5 days with zero incidents.
- If marking happens, shrink the space again for a few days and restart.
Checklist (print this mentally)
- No free roaming for 10 to 14 days
- Potty breaks every 1 to 2 hours at first
- Reward outdoor pees
- Interrupt leg lift, immediately go outside
- Enzymatic cleaner for any accidents
- Expand to new rooms only after 3 to 5 clean days