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Permalink Reply by Ziska Childs on August 7, 2009 at 12:42pm

This is tough. I'm no expert but I also have 3 dogs and this is what I've found:

1. The dog that sniffs the poo normally isn't the culprit. After all, even humans tend not to smell their own as much as someone else's :-)

2. Rubbing noses normally only promotes an unwanted eating behavior later in life.

3. Punishment of any kind unless done when caught in the act does absolutely no good and only promotes your image as a crazy human to the doggies.

So, what to do?

You may need to give more supervision outside for "pee time"- even if this means walking around the back yard with Twink (on a leash?)- and then praising and treats for pooping, then doggie 2 - same praise, then doggie 3 - same praise. Bottom line- you need to make sure everyone has gone potty before they get back in the house. I know, not easy- but worth it. You can actually train to go on command with a lot of positive reinforcement. Don't forget the treats.

I've also tried to train all 3 to go on piddle pads which I leave in the bathroom over night. Let's face it- there may be a 3 am emergency and I'm not really awake enough to get out of bed and walk the pack- or in my neighborhood the other animals out cruising at 3am should have the night to themselves. This also makes it easier when we travel.

Also- lock them out when you clean up messes it's best not to let them see you get so interested in poo.

Ziska

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Permalink Reply by Ginny on August 7, 2009 at 3:09pm

I am having this problem with our new addtion, Gracie. She is a year old and potty trained as far as I can tell. Whenever we go outside, she uses the restroom right away and I always praise her. She never goes while she is in her pen durring the day, but sometimes she will just pee on the carpet while we are home. Last time she did it, I had taken her out litteraly ten minutes before and she peed outside. I don't know what she is trying to tell me, but I think she is doing it on purpose to let me know something,and I don't know how to get her to stop.

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Permalink Reply by Ziska Childs on August 7, 2009 at 3:51pm

Have you ruled out a urinary tract infection?

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Permalink Reply by Beth on August 7, 2009 at 5:24pm

I do agree with the first post about the potential problems of punishing after the fact, and even during the fact the best dissuader is usually a firm "no."

I also agree that just because doggie was out doesn't mean doggie relieved himself or herself. Moreover, witnessing the dog going does not mean an empty dog. Jack will routinely pee or poop and then we walk him a little further and he goes again, and not just dribbles either. The dog isn't thinking "I'm going to be locked up all day so I better make sure I empty myself" and many dogs get easily distracted and don't go completely on first effort. I know it's harder with 3, but when we know Jack will be left alone for a period of time we take him out and walk him a little bit to make sure he has the chance to empty his bladder/bowel completely.

Unexpected changes in relieving patterns in a fully housetrained dog can also sometimes be signs of either illness or stress.

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Permalink Reply by Avyon on August 7, 2009 at 8:01pm

I also vote the tract infection. One of the boys were peeing constantly in his mamas house actually when I met her and it turned out to be an infection after she decided to take him in.

We have to remember that these guys are 'low riders' and a lot of icky stuff gets introduced to those special areas :)

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Permalink Reply by Cindi & Twinkie on August 10, 2009 at 8:10am

A UT infection makes sense with her little "under carriage" draggin' around in wet grass and other things all the time. I really just thought she was trying to make a point. Maybe she's not as smart as I was giving her credit for. Thanks for the help.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on August 10, 2009 at 8:25am

Is she -peeing more often??? I had about a 2 week period where one of my 3 females was doing this in our bedroom and I still don't know who and it mysteriously stopped...I have an idea maybe one was "marking"...will probably never know...but I was careful to to keep a gate up for awhile...??????? And she probably is smarter than you give her credit for...whatever reason she's doing it is another story!

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Permalink Reply by Cindi & Twinkie on August 10, 2009 at 9:04am

She isn't going often in the house but I have noticed that she stops frequently when we are on a walk. Like you said, like marking. Now I wonder??

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on August 10, 2009 at 10:38am

I never had this until I rescued 4 corgis and then everything got marked including dog bowls...I think this was common where they came from. I suppose any dog can start doing this and maybe mine would have anyways...I would think if she's stopping at places other dogs stop to pee this could be it.Good luck!

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