Adult dog eliminating in house...what to do??

A few months ago, my 7 year old mixed breed dog "Hootie" has begun defecating in the house while we are all away at work during the day. Last week he actually did it while we slept and didn't even ask to go out. We brought home a new pup on July 4th. We have socialized them slowly, and this morning I watched Hootie & the pup play a little, but Hootie didn't like it too much. Then, while I was in the bathroom, I came out to find he had defecated on my bedroom floor AND in the living room. Tonight, they were playing again and I looked up across the room to find Hootie in the act of defecating!!!! Could he be scared of the puppy? Is it marking behavior? I would say its marking, but since it has gone on for a few months, I just don't know. Any advice or at least reassurance that this will stop? How do I let him know I don't approve of this behavior? :cry: He has been known to have some anxiety problems (doesn't like to be outside when we're inside & vice versa). Could the anxiety simply be getting worse?

 

has his diet changed any? that could cause it too. Have you tried to crate hootie when you can't watch him? good luck!

 

I don't think it is going to stop on its own. I don't know if there could be any physical problems, but you could have him checked by a vet just in case. Otherwise, I would go back to puppy potty training techniques. Take him out often and never leave him unsupervised where he would make a mistake. Is he crate trained? It may be helpful to crate him when you can't watch him.

Go outside with him and praise him profusely for going outside. Bring treats and treat him. Put a command to it, like "go potty" or "hurry up." Take him out OFTEN. SInce you now have a new puppy, you may as well put them on the same schedule and reward system!

Make sure you clean up the areas in the house where he has gone before with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle or Get Serious.

Also, make sure he is getting the same attention he used to. Was there any sort of change in routine when this started? Make sure you play with both him and the puppy, both together and separate so he gets some one-on-one time. Maybe set aside some time for each of them to have your undivided attention, like maybe a walk or a training session.

 

It does sound like he is jealous and is doing this to show he is not happy with the puppy, if this started at teh same time you got the pup. I agree with Jimiya, and make sure yo give him lot of attention and even more so when you are around the puppy.

 

It does sound like he is jealous and is doing this to show he is not happy with the puppy, if this started at teh same time you got the pup. I agree with Jimiya, and make sure yo give him lot of attention and even more so when you are around the puppy.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone...

I think I'll first try to make sure I am providing him enough attention. He started this before the puppy was brought home, but maybe that has just made it worse. Even though he's getting negative attention, it's still attention. He does have some stress problems though and a new puppy just may be too much for him. I appreciate all the feedback!