I don't have a single magic bullet for this one. It never hurts to start with a vet check, although this sounds to me like a pack status problem. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at
Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see
Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position
She is old enough to spay if not already. It is no cure all, but it can make a big difference in pack status problems. You certainly don't want to pass on her problems by ever breeding her.
Since she is alone much of the day, I am going to suggest food additives to stop the stool eating. You can try the home remedies of pineapple juice or canned pumpkin, or the commercial products Deter or Forbid. I have had the problem with several puppies, but mostly worked at cleaning it up before the dog had a chance to eat it. It is most damaging to the owners stomach.
To stop her from fouling the bed or other parts of the house, you need to crate her. Does one of the walks include a mid daybreak? Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with. Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
itself. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for
dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.
Leave it some toys. Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter. Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up. It will do fine without even any
bedding. You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.
A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate. Praise it for going
in. If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate. This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.
The refusing to relieve herself outside is a tough one. You will need a chunk of time. Take her out, and walk, walk, walk until she can't hold it any longer. Occasionally let her sniff attractive spots such as fire hydrants, trees, posts, etc. I know she isn't a boy, but who do you think they left their messages for? She will want to reply nearby. When she does, praise her. Rave about what a great dog she is. Be sure to take a plastic bag to carry home the treasured stool for proper disposal. Just put the bag over your hand, pick it up, and turn the bag inside out and tie it.
I don't see this as a housebreaking problem, but it can't hurt to read over
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/in...tml#post251809
There is also some other information in that thread you may find helpful.
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