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Bichon4Me · Jul 5, 2010, 04:18 AM

Hi Everyone
We just picked up our dog who is a female Bichon Frise. She will be almost 9 months! The breeders had them go to the washroom anywhere as a point of spoiling them. She was trained very quickly to pee outside but we are having a problem with her doing poop outside. I bring her outside as late as 11:00 pm and she will not do it. It always happens on my front door rug between the time of 11:30pm to 5:00 am. How do I break this habit?

Aurora_Bell · Jul 5, 2010, 04:28 AM

You can always try crating at night. Dogs usually don't use the bathroom where they have to sleep.

When you are taking her out at 11 is she going poop? How late are you feeding her? And has she been de wormed?

Bichon4Me · Jul 5, 2010, 05:17 AM

Hi Aurora,
Unfortunately she is not pooping at night... she only poops in the house on that rug! She has been dewormed and up to date with her vaccines. I think she is bothered by us sleeping upstairs and she has to stay on the main floor. This is because the breeders made them sleep in crates in packs. I know this problem is just a matter of time before we figure out what is the stem to this problem.

Cat1864 · Jul 5, 2010, 07:29 AM

How long do you keep her outside before giving up and going back inside?

If she can't get to that spot, will she hold it or go in another place?

During the day do you have a problem with her defecating outside? Do you give her a lot of praise when she does?

You may need to keep her outside longer until she goes and then praise her. Don't play with her or give her attention until she uses the bathroom so that she gets the idea going potty is what you want.

Crating at night might help with her adjusting to a less confined environment. If she is used to having bedmates, she could be feeling anxious because she is alone. A crate with rolled up dog bedding or a large (pet safe) stuffed animal might help her adjust.

Patience and consistency will get her doing what you want her to. It will just take time.

Aurora_Bell · Jul 5, 2010, 09:47 AM

You can try crating her at night, or even bringing her crate into your room with you guys at night as well. My dogs love to sleep in the same room as me. I no longer have to crate at night, but my dogs loves to lay on her mat by my bed. Is this something you would consider?

Like Cat says, you may have to stay out longer with her. And maybe try feeding her earlier on in the evenings. Does she get an evening walk?

Bichon4Me · Jul 6, 2010, 07:42 AM

We try to walk her but she refuses to be on a leash as she was never on one. With consistency we are trying to get her used to her harness. She actually did her thing this morning outside and the kids praised her after doing so. We just picked her up on Canada Day which was July 1 so she is still getting used to our schedule but with patience and consistency we will tackle this situation head on. Thanks for the great tips they will come in handy!!