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kamcnama · Apr 29, 2011, 10:49 AM

Hi Guys,
I have a 2 year old boxer/Pitbull mix who I have had since he was a puppy. We house broke him by the time he was about 7 or 8 months old and he had not had an accident in the house since then. This is until last week when I came home from class to find he had pooped in his room and then stepped in it and ran all over the house. I Cleaned it up using 3 different types of cleaners hoping one would get the smell out and he wouldn't do it again but he has been doing it everyday since whenever I fall asleep or go to school. I did just recently change his food to a science diet my vet recommended but I tried to switch him back giving him 1/2 and 1/2 for about 3 days and now he won't eat his old food. I am at a loss of what to do please help

Wondergirl · Apr 29, 2011, 11:01 AM

I'm a cat person, but the first thought that came to my mind was "separation anxiety."

One of the dog experts will be along sometime soon to give you some valuable help with this. Meanwhile, don't yell at him or swat him. I'm sure there is a solution for this.

Alty · Apr 29, 2011, 11:31 AM

Sounds like this may have something to do with the food. When you first switched him to the science diet did you do it gradually?

Most dogs will get an upset stomach and even the runs if their food is switched suddenly. It could be that he couldn't control the first time he had to poop, and now he's either still having a reaction to the food where he can't control his bowls, or that one incident set him back into bad potty habits.

I'd first check with your vet to make sure there's nothing physical going on, and I'd also mention that this started happening when you switched to the science diet. I would find a different food as this may well be a reaction to that specific brand.

When he does potty outside, lots of praise, a treat, let him know how very good he is. If he potty's inside a firm "no!" and then take him directly outside and give his potty command.

Give him some time to adjust to a new food, but by no means should you accept any accidents he has. Even if this isn't something he can control, you still have to make sure he knows that pooing in the house is not acceptable.