My husband and I have been traveling a ton for work lately which means our beloved boxer Tilly (image right) get shuffled around to friends’ loving homes while we’re away. While she loves spending time with our particular and their shepherd Ginger, her favorite dog in the world, she still sets her mind to punish us for leaving when she sees the suitcases come out of the closet.

Her punishments include obsessive licking, mad-dog glares, and obstinately peeing on the rug in the living room (she’s 7, and housetrained). Every time she pees on the rug, we’re astonished and think it will be the last time. Not so. No amount of “bad dog” and catching her in the act seems to curb her desire to punish us for leaving her behind. If you get similar canine guilt trips, here are some tips from you, from The Worst-Case Scenario Pocket Guide: Dogs:

How to Prevent Your Dog From Marking His Territory Indoors

• Watch the dog closely – Carefully monitor your dog’s behavior. When you sense he is about to mark, register your disapproval by vigorously shaking a can containing some loose change. Then, escort him outside to urinate.
• Confine the dog in a crate when you leave the house – Most dogs will not, except in extraordinary circumstances, soil their own sleeping place.
• Clean – Thoroughly wash and deodorize all previously marked locations. The scent of their own urine encourages dogs to revisit these spots. Clean marked areas with commercially available, enzyme-based products, or a homemade mix of 50 percent white vinegar, 50 percent water. Normal household cleaners are not thorough enough.
• Neuter your dog – Male dogs urinate as a sexual display or as a challenge to rivals. Neutering, preferably at an early age, can stop this behavior.

Tags: housetraining, The Worst-Case Scenario Pocket Guide: Dogs, travel