The instinct of a male dog causes it to mark its territory with urine splashes in several places to protect its territory from potential threats. At the same time, marking the territory serves to build up the dog's ego, especially if changes have taken place in the home that unsettle the dog. For this reason, the dog should not be punished for its behaviour, but only "re-trained", no matter how frustrating it may be.

A neutered dog is less likely to mark his territory than an intact male dog. You might want to consider having your male dog neutered.

Until you have retrained the dog, you should keep him under constant observation in your home. For the time when no one is at home, you can provide him with a comfortable but space-restricted room.

You can buy so-called male nappies in pet shops that serve precisely this purpose. The male nappies are not only used to keep your home clean, they also make the dog aware of his behaviour and encourage him to only urinate when he is outside and not wearing his nappy.

Every time you catch the dog marking his territory, take him outside. Praise him lavishly when he properly pees outside. Never punish the dog, as this will only drive a wedge between you and him.

Contaminated, i.e. marked, areas should be cleaned immediately. Remove all objects that trigger the behaviour, such as food, toys or dog baskets, and restrict the dog's freedom of movement.

Make it unmistakably clear to the dog that you are the master. It is natural for dogs to have a pack leader and if the hierarchy is clearly defined, the instinct to mark is reduced.