Hello! I have 1 year old miniature schnauzer and she is potty trained, or so I thought, and she has been having issues with where to go to the bathroom these days. About a month ago her living situation changed, but it is not until recently that she has been having problems. We moved in with my parents (when I say we I mean my dog and myself) and they have an older 11 year old mini schnauzer, which my dog spent time with weekly prior to the move. The two dogs have a great time together they play and there doesn't seem to be any trouble. The only thing that seems a little odd lately is that my dog only wants to eat the other dogs food, which is senior dog food, and she doesn't really eat hers unless you try to give it to her then she will eat it from your hand. My problem though is that she is pooping in the house. I let her out several times throughout the time I am home and she is in a kennel during the work day and I know she is pooping outside, but the problem is that she is also pooping inside. She is getting all of the same amount of attention/time from me and others, so I don't really know what the problem is. I would also like some help figuring out what am I to do to stop this problem... before my parents have a fit with me and her.

She is most likely trying to claim the house as her territory, even though she gets along well with your Mom's dog. Do you take the two dogs on walks together so they know that they are a pack? Just letting the dogs play together, and letting them outside to do their business won't replace that.

Dogs need to bond, and since your dog used to be just a visitor, but is now there all of the time, the rules have changed. Your Mom's dog knows that this is where she lives. Your dog is rebelling against it, because she is in a different home.

I would bet my bottom dollar, that if you took the two dogs on lengthy walks together, it would stop the pooping in the house. It's just a form of rebellion, and the dogs need to feel like they are members of the same pack, which includes both you and your mother... or anyone else that may live in the house.

Good luck!