I have two beagles, who will be 5 in January next year. Over the past few months they have started messing in the kitchen throughout the night, even though they have been taken out for a walk before bed. I know they can hold it, as sometimes they are left for 8-9 hours a day while I am at work and there is no mess when I come home. However, when I do let them out it seems that I have to stand a tell them to do their business otherwise, they wouldn't? This is driving me mad, surely they should not be doing this at their age. And 2 dogs = double the mess!

Maybe they are lonely, miss you. They are alone for 8 or 9 hours, then it sounds like you put them outside but don't go out with them. The sooner they come in, the sooner they can be with you.

When I'm gone for an extended period (never 8 or 9 hours) I stand outside with my dogs when I get home. They sort of roam around, do whatever they need to do - but keep me within sight.