Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our readers. You can reach him at dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com.
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David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
Dog Gone Problems,
I have had my 11-month-old Yorkie for about six months now. I take him out every day to potty at least five to eight times. He used to poop outside, but then all of a sudden he stopped.
I would take him out to run around for a while, and take him out before and after meals but he refuses to poop. When he does not poop, I keep him in his playpen where there are pads on the floor (as well as outside of it) until it’s time to go out again, but still nothing. He will pee but not poop.
When I allow him to stay out, he poops as soon as I turn my head. He pooped in my bed a couple of times when I went to the rest room. He will not poop in his playpen or on the pads I have on the floor, but he will poop on the floor — especially on my carpet only if I’m not watching him. I think there’s something seriously wrong with him.
I feed him Wellness dog food because of the research I have done. I mix dry and wet food together. I give him bottled water because our water supply is disgusting. I keep both him and his area clean. When and if he has an accident, I thoroughly clean the up the spot with Lysol and bleach wipes. I try to keep him around me when he is out of his playpen so I can keep an eye on him, but like I said, as soon as I take my eyes off of him, he poops.
I hate keeping him locked up all day, but I cannot tolerate him pooping in the house when I take him out as often as I do. I am trying to be patient but my patience is wearing thin to the point where I am thinking about giving him away. I know if he continues this behavior I have no other choice because I am disabled and don’t need the extra workload I have with him. How can a dog go outside fine for months and then all of a sudden just stop? I really think there’s something wrong with him. I really hope you can help me find a solution for him because I need help.
Carla
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Hi Carla,
If a dog is doing something for an extended period of time and then suddenly stops, there is a reason for the change. In my experience as a dog behaviorist, it's usually due to something the human does. I've had a number of clients whose dogs developed an issue after they chastised the dog for having an accident.
The person means to say, “I get upset when you poop or potty inside the house,” but what the dog learns is “I get upset when you poop or potty.” The dog associates the punishment — either physical or verbal chastising — with the act and not the location.
Since you mentioned this started happening after he pooped in your bed when you left, I wonder if you were cross when you came back (which is understandable) and lectured or punished the dog. It's possible the dog needed to go, didn't know how to communicate or you didn't understand his cue or couldn’t get down and he eliminated after he thought you left him behind.
If you were a client, I'd ask what your dog’s command word for potty is. Most of my clients give me a nonchalant answer that indicates they never assigned a command word to the act or didn't completely potty train the dog. Here is a link to a free dog training video on how to potty train your dog.
It's also possible your dog had a negative experience right after pooping outside. For example, maybe your dog finished up doing his business and then something scary happened right after or even during the act. I've had clients where this happened due to a door slamming, window breaking, bee sting, firecracker or the dog getting accidentally hit by a ball right after or at the time it was doing its business.
These dogs start fearing the activity they were doing when the scary or startling thing happens because of the way that dogs learn. The dog does something and then gets feedback (something rewarding or something it dislikes), which influences future behavior.
To fix the problem, first get your pup into a regular feeding schedule. Dog digestive tracks are usually pretty consistent. So if you feed at the same time every day and keep track of wen the poop arrives, you can narrow down the window.
After a week of this, set aside a weekend to focus on training. You need to make this your number one commitment for two straight days. You will need some amazingly high-value food your dog never gets. Warm chicken or steak works wonders in my experience.
Take the pup out when it's time to go. Give him five minutes to go while you observe. Make sure to avoid talking or doing anything that may distract the dog. If he doesn’t go in five minutes, take him inside and hold him or put him in the kennel or long-term confinement area for 15 to 45 minutes or until the dog protests. When this happens, take him back out and give him another five minutes. Keep repeating this cycle until he pees or poops. When he does, say a new command word like “business,” “splat” or something else. This new name is important, as the previous word likely has negative baggage at this point.
If the dog doesn’t go within two to three hours, try going for walks in between. This jiggles the dog's bowels and moves the food though the digestive track, making them more likely to need to go.
As soon as the dog finishes his business, give him five treats in a row (all bite-sized pieces that can be swallowed in one to two chews). After the treats, spend five minutes doing your pup's absolute favorite thing. Give him a belly rub, butt scratches, ear rubs, go for a walk, game of fetch, etc.
Repeat this for the next few potty breaks over two days. If you do that and never verbally chastise or punish the dog for eliminations, you should have a new command word and a dog who thinks, “My human is crazy happy when I poop.”
Good luck and remember — everything you do trains your dog. Only sometimes you mean it.
David
Submit your pet questions to David Codr by emailing a photo of your dog and question to dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com. Visit doggoneproblems.com for more from David.
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest
These are the very good dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest. All are up for adoption as of Aug. 3. For more information on the adoption process and to see all dogs available for adoption, visit nehumanesociety.org/adopt.
All adoptions are being done via appointment only. The application can be found inside each animal's bio on the Humane Society's website.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family's attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn't to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She'll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He's looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he's not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he'll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you're a good match!
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn't getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don't have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she's a match for you!
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he's a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they'll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She's a pretty sweet pup if there isn't too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won't be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Name: Mel
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she'll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she'll need a family that will help make sure she's getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you're a good match.
