Marking I think is just a matter of training. Inside the house you need good housetraining and supervision of a dog that's ready to mark everyhing. Outside it doen't really matter, just not on people or items you don't want peed on. Autumn is a female and goes everywhere when we go to the park, she's dominant and not afraid to show it. My mom taught her male shetie mix to squat to pee instead of lifting its leg. This was before my time so I don't know how she did it. I think most bigger breeds will squat instead of lifting too. This alone might impress your mom a bit.