My dog has suddenly started pooping in the house..

Question
Hello Jill and thank you in advance for any advice that you may offer. My three year old "Dorky" Leo was an only child until about 3 months ago when my daughter brought home a rescued kitten. We have had Leo since he was about 7 weeks old and he was house trained with only the occasional accident.
Everything was fine at first in regards to the kitten being in the house, but for the past 6 weeks Leo has been pooping on the floor, sometimes right after he has been outside. It is always in plain sight where we are sure to see it, like in front of my husband's recliner. A couple of other things have changed that might be effecting his behavior: The kitten is now in her first heat (yes, we are going to have her spayed and she is an indoor cat) and we fenced in our back yard thinking that Leo would enjoy being able to roam free.

Do you think that Leo is missing his 4-5 times a day walks and is the addition of the kitten causing his bad behavior? He is healthy - we have had him checked out.

Thank you!
Amy

Answer
Yes I think Leo is missing that special one to one connection associated with multiple walks; he is also not defecating outdoors for a reason.  I know you went to the great expense of fencing your yard for Leo, but he may not see it that way!  You need to take Leo out (on leash at first) at the time he offers this inappropriate elimination (rather than just let him out in the newly fenced yard to do it by himself.)  If Leo is experiencing any problem defecating outdoors when not on leash, or if he is making a statement because of the kitten, being sure he eliminates in front of you for reward and praise is very important for the next few weeks.  Once he is routinely eliminating outdoors, you can then take him to the same spot in your yard (on long leash at first) until he has established a routine out there, then you can allow him out by himself while you are watching from indoors (and encouraging/praising).  Consistent, patient retraining WILL pay off.