Hi, I have a 4 1/2 month old Doberman Pinscher... I have had him since he turned 3 months. I know it is not a long time but, he used to be pretty good at going potty outside. He would both pee and poo outside. Within the last week though it seems like he goes outside... goes pee... and then comes inside and poops. And the bad thing about that is that by the time I realize or my mom realizes he is doing that... its too late to punish him. We have a Lab/Sheperd mix too and he goes outside just fine. I know I have to have patience.. but is there some method I can use to get him to stop??

As a start, look at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/pets-a...e-37538-2.html Huskylover is having much the same issues as you. Post back after looking at the other thread with details you need help with.

Yeah... see the thing with my problem is that... of course he used to have this problem when we first started potty training him. BUT... he stopped... he was doing pretty good in going outside. My problem is that THIS week is when all of the sudden he starts doing this... and multiple times... he doesn't just poop in one place and is done... he poops... runs away... poops... runs away... gets taken outside doesn't do anything... comes inside and poops again... its crazy!!

It seems 4 1/2 months is a little early for the leadership challenges, but it certainly sounds like it. A vet check could turn up something, but otherwise follow what I said about leadership and being top dog in the other thread. And here is some stuff more meant for younger dogs:

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

Some dogs are just stronger willed than others. I am doing well with my 11 week old Lab Holly. However I met with a professional from the service dog school she belongs to and she confirmed Holly has a very strong personality. She also suggested I dig out the Gentle Leader and nip pulling in the bud.

Great advice as usual, labman!

I think it's really important to establish yourself as pack leader as soon as possible with a new pet. It's easier to start when they'e puppies than when you have an 85 pound bully on your hands.

So many people allow their dogs to run the show and wonder why they cannot control bad behavior.

It's funny how many of us succumb to a dog that is seemingly just being cute and affectionate (ex.: jumping up, leaning or pressing in to get petted, etc.), when in reality, they are asserting dominance.

I had a male Doberman I "rescued" when he was about 3. I had him neutered right after I got him and even with other dogs in the house, things were pretty good... until I got married and my new husband moved in. Filo then decided he was the "man" of the house and would pee and poo EVERYWHERE in the house. He would sneak out of sight and 10 seconds later, I'd find a pile.

After speaking with a well-known Doberman breeder, I learned that Dobes are VERY territorial and MUST be the dominant critter. They get upset quite easily. It's not that the Dobe lives with YOU, he is allowing YOU to live in his house! You must teach him that regardless of what HE thinks, you will ALWAYS be the dominant force in his world. Once the messing in the house starts, it is VERY difficult to fix.

I suggest you attempt to figure out what happened in his world in the past week that upset him enough that he is showing you by messing in the house. It could be something as simple as his losing his favorite toy.

Additionally, establishing dominance NOW as compared to later when he weighs upwards of 100 lbs is very important. The early posts are methods I, too, had to use with Filo. I ended up having to choose between Filo and my husband... my husband won, however Filo went to a single dog home with a single woman to watch over. A perfect match!

Good luck! And, always getting in touch with a Doberman breeder is a GREAT idea, as each breed has its own quirks.

Yeah... I Guess He Might Have Been Upset... we Did Send Him To The Groomers... he Does Not Like Baths... could That Be The Problem?? I Did The Whole Craddling Thing Yesterday... and When I Hold Him Like A Baby... all He Does Is Just Chill...