nervous toilet habit

Question
We have a pit/boxer mix that we adopted from the humane society, Jed is probably around 2 years old and we've had him for about a year and a half.  In all this time, he seems to have a hard time making up his mind where he's going to do his defecating business.  We've passed the stage of house-training so we've no problems there.  But as we're walking outside(he's always on a leash) he seems to take forever in choosing the right spot (last night he got ready in four different places before actually doing anything).  Plus, he appears to have trouble--as if he's going to topple over--whenever he does find a spot.  Is this normal?  Is there any way I can help?  We walk the same path every time and it seems the decision is just getting harder to make.  And now, we've added a Rhodesian Ridgeback male (intact), Bhodi, who's now 8 months and seems to picking up the odd "business" habits of the older dog.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Dennis, Take both dogs to the same place each time and do not let them wander far. Give them a command such as "take a break". Try to use an area near a tree, a fence line, a hedge..some kind of place that would appeal to a male lifting his leg. If he seems to be struggling to urinate or defecate be sure he does not have a medical reason such as a polyp or urinary infection. You can put some linatone, or olive oil in the food, or sprinkled over the dry food to lubricate the contents, making it easier to expel. You can also feed some canned pumpkin now and again as a digestive aid, and mix it in with the food. Do not let them drag you around choosing a place to go. Let them only search the length of the leash and they will soon learn that you will not budge. If they do not go in a reasonable time, bring them in and watch for them to ask to go out again, whether you use a bell hung on the door knob or watch for them to alert you. Leave me some feedback, and follow-up if you have any further questions. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan