Urine Marking in Dogs

[FAM Times=Reporter Woo Ji-young] Dogs mark their territory with urine. It is a messy method, but from a dog's perspective, it is a rational one. Dogs cannot use written language, but they have an excellent sense of smell. That is why they use what might be called a “language of scent.”

▲ Urine is a specific and reliable way to mark territory

Dogs can obtain a wide range of information from the smell of urine alone. From urine, they can determine sex, age, size, and even species. So-called “urine marking” is effectively the canine world's equivalent of a certified copy of a property register. It is a way for dogs to learn highly specific information. Urine marking is also reliable. Because urine contains information unique to each dog, it cannot be copied or plagiarized.

Urine marking has one weakness: it is not permanent. Monsoon rains or heavy snowfall can wash away traces of urine. This is also why dogs relieve themselves again in places where they have urinated before: to leave their mark anew.

▲Territorial marking by male dogs

Male dogs mark their territory more often than females because they have a stronger possessive drive toward territory and females. Male dogs therefore urinate small amounts frequently in places they consider their territory. They also mark their territory by lifting one hind leg. This behavior is likewise connected to a male dog's possessiveness.

Regardless of species, males try to appear strong to others. They seek to display their strength and power or show females how attractive they are. This is also why male dogs lift one hind leg while marking. They raise it high to leave their urine mark at a higher point because they want to appear as large as possible to other dogs. As a result, they urinate in a near-handstand position.

Reporter Woo Ji-young wjy@famtimes.co.kr