Dogs peeing and pooping in the house

Wondergirl · Mar 24, 2012, 12:20 PM

First of all, be assured crating a dog is NOT a punishment. Canines (dogs, wolves, coyotes, etc.) like dens, their cozy place, where they can chill out and feel safe.

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ballengerb1 · Mar 24, 2012, 12:48 PM

WG is so right, a crate is both a humane training tool and a dogs haven/cave/den. How long are the dogs on their own in the home when you are at work? I have 2 award winning dogs and crate the youngster when we are going to be gone for more than 2-4 hours. Anything else change in the home like a new person or other pet? When the snow melts does your yard get muddy and really wet? Some dogs develop quirks, had a female lab who would tip toe on wet grass until she could reach pavement and then walk normally, just quirky

petmomof4 · Mar 24, 2012, 01:06 PM

Its about 9 hrs while I'm at work but I come home at lunch to let them out and it doesn't make any difference. They also do it when I'm home, and they can't live in a kennel 24/7. I've heard and tried all the usual stuff. I would really like some insight on the snow connection if anyone has any idea what that's about.

ballengerb1 · Mar 24, 2012, 01:16 PM

Kennel or crate, I know you said you don't have/want a crate but we have not talked about a kennel. " tried all the usual stuff" we never know what all that entails so be patient with us, we may repeat something your already tried. Dogs usually love snow, it's novel and they don't shovel it like us so its fun. Mud and wet surfaces can cause them to be cautious and less likey to hold it until they go outside. Outside may be unpleasant for them but I suspect its something other than mud. Nothing else new, right?

petmomof4 · Mar 24, 2012, 01:40 PM

I know that my mix especially would be absolutely frantic if he was locked up. He was about to be put down at the shelter because he couldn't handle being in the kennel. Also I live in an apartment so a permanent kennel setup isn't really an option. Wet or dry outside doesn't make any difference... They LOVE the snow so I realize its probably just that the excitement makes them forget whatever it is that's making them do it but I don't know how to make that happen long-term. Food and water make no difference, exercise and attention make no difference, nothing has changed in their routine or surroundings, I've blocked off the area and they either go to great lengths to get past the barracade or just make a mess somewhere else.

LadySam · Mar 24, 2012, 05:31 PM

Have they been checked by the veterinarian to rule out any medical issues?
Have you pinpointed either dog as causing the messes, or are you certain that it is both?

Cat1864 · Mar 24, 2012, 06:03 PM

The only other thought I can come with at this moment is asking if any of your neighbors have made any changes. New pets in the building? Any new babies or children? Anyone they were used to being around moving out? Your schedule didn't change. No one stayed with you or moved out. They haven't been boarded or had someone else take care of them. It may be something that happened once and they have been upset ever since.

How long have had them and how long has this behavior been happening? This almost sounds like a form of separation anxiety. If so, you might contact a trainer in your area (your vet may be able to recommend a good one) to help you work with them. If that isn't an option, we can give you advice but it will not be a quick fix.

Are they getting enough stimulation in the house? Do they have any interactive toys such as treat balls?

Have you tried givning them 'jobs'? As you have probably found out by now, Border Collies are extremely intelligent and want to work. Teaching them to get things for you, giving them balls they can 'herd', etc. might give them other outlets for what seems to be stressing them.

What do you do when they make a mess? How do you respond?

petmomof4 · Mar 24, 2012, 06:51 PM

No medical problems and yes its both. I've had them for 6 years and 4 years, respectively. I used to be able to take them to work with me. About 3 years ago I started a new job where I can't bring them anymore. At first the younger one, Rusty, acted out, chewed up shoes, etc. Then he adjusted (I thought) and everything was fine. Then 2 years ago I moved into my current apartment and still things were fine. It was several months later that the messes started. None of the changes corresponded at all to when the problem started and there haven't been any changes since then.
It would make sense that it was something that happened once that they never got over but I'm at a loss as to what. They've never been boarded, never been left with anyone but my parents and never for more than a few hours. They are very familiar with my parents and their house.
They have balls and toys galore, always bones to chew on, and they get a fresh rawhide "dental chip" very morning when I leave.
I've tried scolding them when I find the messes, ignoring them and giving them the silent treatment, praise and treats when they don't do it, rewarding them with extra fun-time outside...everything I could think of.
One thing I haven't tried is giving them jobs. They are both extremely intelligent. I guess I just don't know what to have them do... Ideas?

LadySam · Mar 25, 2012, 06:26 AM

Cat may be onto something with the jobs.
Have you ever considered agility? With your vets approval of course, you'll want to make sure that they are physically up to it.
As you are totally apposed to crating them, a reputable trainer or behavioralist may be something that you want to check into.
Although my first suggestion would have been to retrain using a crate.
Your younger dog may react differently to a crate, given that he is now in a different environment.
Noisy, multiple caregivers, mistrust, limited attention V/S quieter, one caregiver, stable home, and plenty of attention.
You never know.

Dogs peeing and pooping in the house

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