Lately, my two year old King Charles Cavalier has been pooping in the hallway while we are home. He was housebroken when I bought him from his previous owner earlier this year and always did fine until about 2 months ago. We can never catch him in the act because it's usually while we are sleeping or showering. My boyfriend and I both work during the day but make sure to take him for long walks, take him out often, and play with him when we get home. Also, he never does it while we are away, only at home. Does anyone know a reason for this or a way to stop it? We punish him and put him in the kennel but it doesn't seem to be working. The past few days he has also started peeing in the house, again, while we are home. Could this be a form of separation anxiety? Thanks!

I have a few issues with the way you're doing things, and I hope you're receptive to listening to them.

First, you should never put your dog in the kennel as a punishment. The kennel is like a den, a safe place. By putting the dog in the kennel when he's being punished, you're making the kennel a bad place to be.

You mentioned that this happens when you're sleeping or showering. Why is the dog not in the kennel when you're sleeping? That's when the dog should be crated.

When he does potty outside how do you react?

Last but not least, have there been any major changes in your home, and have you gone to a vet to rule out anything physical?

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Originally Posted by Alty

I have a few issues with the way you're doing things, and I hope you're receptive to listening to them.

First, you should never put your dog in the kennel as a punishment. The kennel is like a den, a safe place. By putting the dog in the kennel when he's being punished, you're making the kennel a bad place to be.

You mentioned that this happens when you're sleeping or showering. Why is the dog not in the kennel when you're sleeping? That's when the dog should be crated.

When he does potty outside how do you react?

Last but not least, have there been any major changes in your home, and have you gone to a vet to rule out anything physical?

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He sleeps in his dog bed at night. When he goes potty outside we praise him and give him a small treat. There have not been any changes in the home. Someone suggested to me that he may be jealous of the attention I give to my boyfriend. My dog is extremely affectionate and very close to me. What do you think? Also, what would be a better way to punish him?
Thanks

The best way to punish, especially when potty training, is a firm no, and then take him directly outside. When outside use your potty word. I use "potty' and when he goes outside give him tons of praise and a treat (like you're already doing). The only thing missing from your training right now is that you're not teaching him what you want him to do. He doesn't realize that pottying in the house is bad. He doesn't see the connection between bad indoor behavior and good outdoor behavior. By saying "No!" and taking him directly outside, he will realize "okay, pottying inside is bad, they want me to do this outside".

I would take your dog to the vet to rule out any health issues that may be causing this. If he has a clean bill of health than try the steps I've outlined. Give it a few months, be consistent, and see if it helps. :)