Why did "Buddy" pee in the dog food bowl?

[Wcross]

I have six dogs, all related and they have been sharing the same dog food bowl for the past 2-3 years with no problem. Today Buddy went over to the bowl while I was feeding them and peed in the bowl on the food. Whats up with that? He is the alpha male.

[_testify_]

1. I hafta admit, I clicked your thread in search of a punchline.

That is very strange - although I suppose it could be extreme, ultra-alpha behavior. He might be upset about something - did anything change at your house? New baby or something easy to spot like that?

Also, change in potty behavior sometimes is an indication that the animal may be ill - sort of, "I have no way to tell them I'm sick. Maybe they'll notice if I whiz on the kibble!"

When in doubt, call your vet!

[Wcross]

2. Nothing has changed.

He seems like the same old "Buddy", he has done his marking trick before. When his pups were born I had them in my bedroom with momma and I thought Buddy would like to see them. I led him in there and he peed on the downwind side of a box fan I had running to keep the room cool. (He ended up marking himself)

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

6. At least he knows he's his own property now?

:shrug:

[LiberalEsto]

3. He's marking his territory

Dogs pee on things to mark their territory. An alpha male might to this to remind the other dogs who is boss.

[_testify_]

4. Yeah but even a DUMB dog doesn't shit where he eats...

Though I know we're not talking about poo - the principle is the same, and it is usually a very strong instinct on the part of the animal. I could see if he peed only on the other dogs food, but he also befouled his own. Weird!

[Orangepeel]

5. maybe he was full

:shrug:

[Bunny]

7. I don't know, but I found my big dog eating her own crap last week.

She's nine years old and has never done that before. That was so disgusting :puke:

Anyway, I don't know why your alpha boy did that. Weird.

[Wcross]

9. All my guys are fond of the cat poop.

Mother dogs will eat their pups poop to keep the den clean, I know mine did but she didn't enjoy it. It helped the pups get house trained, she got tired of cleaning up and wore them out when they pooped in the house. They learned pretty quick that way.

[Richardo]

11. Tell your vet, Bunny

Just in case. :scared:

[amitten]

13. Reason #629 why I will NEVER own another dog!!!

Has the grossness no limit, dear Lord?

[Blue-Jay]

8. Compliments to the cook?

:D

[Wcross]

10. I forgot the required picture of Buddy.

[SOteric]

12. Is he aging at all? Has he been checked by a vet recently?

Inappropriate urinating in a dog can be a symptom of something serious, potentially diabetes, kidney problems and a number of issues other than simply behaviour. If he's always been a smart, well behaved little dude, schedule a check up with the vet and mention this. It really doesn't sound like normal doggie dominance issues.

[CC]

14. Maybe one of the other

dogs has been testing Buddy's alpha status in subtle ways. This would cause Buddy to reinforce his place like that. When we had two shepherds and a fox terrier the terrier would pee in the shepherds food dishes to get even when they bossed him around to much. Even though they were all fed separately on the vets advice, we had to be sure to get those dishes up before letting the terrier near them.