Weird Potty Problem!

I don't think I have ever heard of anyone else having this problem and could really use some advice?

Herky is my ball playing fool! He will fetch that ball til he collapsed if we let him. For some unknown reason he only potties during a "ball playing session". While playing, maybe after 3-4 throws, maybe 10-12 throws, he will stop and pee or poop (never both at the same time, 2 separate stops). BUT if we play and come in and he hasn't gone yet, he will end up going inside. If we let him outside to go potty with no ball playing he most likely will not go.

We used to laugh about it, saying he must have to "shake" it loose with the running, but now it is a huge problem. We can let Mia out and she will go whether playing ball or not.

Please HELP! I am losing my mind and my husband is losing his patience!

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Permalink Reply by Donna and Lilly on August 5, 2012 at 10:03am

Lilly is my ball fetching fool. She is almost the same way. Although we have a chuckit stick, so she knows when it is time to play and when it is time to peepee. She does go in the morning by herself, but at night, she wont go unless I am out there with her. And I have to tell her to pee pee. It helps if one of the other dogs go first cause then she pees in the same place. I think the big thing is the stick. The corgis know then if it is play time or go time. Although she does go without playing.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 5, 2012 at 10:39am

Instead of playing ball when Herky normally likes to go, take him on a nice long walk. He won't be able to hold it forever. As soon as he squats say "go potty" (or whatever you like). Somewhere along the line he associated playing ball with relieving himself...this did not happen over night and won't be cured that fast either. If you go for walks and train the go potty command he will learn to break that association so that you will not have to take a walk every time but you will love having a dog that associates going potty with your command! Try playing ball a little after he has finished his business. Activity is always going to help anyone, man or beast. to eliminate so just try walking.

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Permalink Reply by David on August 5, 2012 at 9:38pm

It is not playing fetch makes him relieve himself, it is the exercise. So, take him on a nice long walk when you want him to go. Most of the Corgi I know will squat and do their business after about quarter mile at most.