i am still waiting for blood test results to tell me if Lola's Testosterone levels are "normal" what constitutes a "dominant female "? she cocks her leg she scents on almost every other scent she comes across ,after she has pee'd she then does that scratching with all four legs (clods of earth everywhere!) do all females do this ? & is there anything i can do to moderate this ,i do think it is  behavioural with her ,she is the first terrier i have had & it really seems to be an  attitude issue we have here .....or is it ? it is like having a lovable toddler in the house but with the " constant Terrible Two's "syndrome ,anyone have any idea what i am trying to say ? we do need help ,& how do i find a good behaviourist ,Regards Sue T xx 

Wait for the test results.    Then find a behaviourist that has enough knowledge to work with whatever the test results bring.  What part of the country [or what country even] are you in?  Is there any unnaceptable behaviour such as aggression?    If not what the heck that she pees up lamposts and scratches the earth after elimination.  Lots of bitches do this.  And also how old is your bitch and has she ever come into season and if so, at what age and how frequently.

Wendy

Hi Sue,

One of my bitches began cocking her leg at aged around 3 + - she "scent marks" everywhere in and out of season too and yet there is absolutely NOTHING dominant about her nature - not with food, toys, pecking order, nothing - believe me, she is the sweetest natured and most obdedient girl you could hope to meet and is very dog friendly ;)

Unless you have a specific problem other than mentioned which suggests "dominance" I don't think you have anything to worry about - except perhaps paying for veterinary tests that were possibly not necessary

Good luck with results, and keep us posted or supplied with any additional info.
Regards, Teri :)

 

I agree with the others. If this is the only 'problem' you have with her I don't see the point of worrying or consulting a behaviourist. A lot of bitches will lift a leg to pee, mark over other dogs' scents, and scratch the ground, without deserving the 'dominant' label.

Both my bitches have cocked their leg to pee since about 1 year old. One is a placid lab and the other a highly reactive retriever.

My Bess often cocks her leg when weeing and also scentmarks over other smells up to a dozen times on a walk, even more so when she's in season.

Kath.

I seem to remember Lola's problem is not so much out on walks, but in the house.  Are you using the white spirit I suggested to eliminate the fatty acids?

Hi Everyone ,well the vet called & as i thought the testosterone levels are normal ,so the good news is ,that she is fine ,i think you were right ,the blood tests were not needed !! & Digger you are right ,all these so called " Dominant traits " vets terminology not mine , are only a problem indoors ,& they really are a problem ,i am a long way from being an expert ,but the frustration levels with this constant scenting indoors is high ,i was given all sorts of ideas to get rid of her scenting smell, (Bio powder ,white spirit ,you name it & i have tried it ,) i know she can  smell where she has been ,but we are never able to smell anything ,Her groomer gave me a product that actually offered money back if the product didn't work ,it didnt ,the last time i cleaned the carpets she took two weeks before she went back there ,but tonight we have noticed that she has done it again !! there are about three or four drop marks !! i have no problem with her leg cocking ,scratching ,etc outside ,she is never aggressive to other dogs or people , the only time she growls is when we play with her squeeky toy ,but it is all hot air ,she sounds like a hound from the Baskervilles ,but never minds if you take the toy away from her ( she does not have a mean bone in her body ),the vet has given me the name of a Behaviourist in Chertsey ,i live in the South east ,his name is Roger ,(i cant read my own writing so am not sure of his surname !!) apparently he is supposed to be amazing ,it is quite expensive but it's got to be cheaper than replacing carpets !& i just feel that she must be feeling insecure to keep on putting her scent on everything ,! she does seem to be very highly strung, we resued her at six months ,she was neutered before she came to us !, i just feel like i am missing whatever it is that makes her act this way ,she is a very much loved little dog ,spoilt rotten ,but apart from the scenting she is well behaved ,!!!!!!! sorry to have gone on & on again ,i am grateful for all of your help ,it's just that nothing seems to work ,Regards Sue T xx

If it's Roger Mugford you mean, if anyone can help it'll be him (you can google for his website). Good luck.
:)

Yes, Roger Mugford is in Chertsey :)

Roger is a great guy He & I don't see eye to eye on somethings but he is very thorough & helpful & very pro dogs & he & I have good natters together he used to use my Brett dog at Cruft to demostrate toys & training techiniques etc