Potty trained pet has suddenly started going in the house

Question
April, our 4yr old healthy Sheltie, has been potty trained since she was 10 weeks old. She has started going in the house over the last 3 months about 3 to 5 times a week at night only. She has a doggy door and hasn't tried to wake me. Please help- Discipline in my house is done by rewarding good behavior and by telling her "no" while she is in the act of something not so good. April is well behaved otherwise. Thanks,Kathy

Answer
Hi Kathy!

Great job on the positive reinforcement.  Don't be discouraged by recent events.  The doggie door is great for convieninece but there are advantages to monitoring what is happening when they go potty to make sure there aren't any problems.

First, I advise you to take her into the vet for a physical examination.  Tell your vet about the change in behavior and ask him about possible medical connections.  

If nothing is obviously wrong in the eyes of the vet then these suggestions will also help:

Clearly by your note April is not in her crate at night.  This is by far the easiest and smartest way to guarntee good results.  It will only take about 3 treats for her to associate the new crate with a positive experience.  

Another note, no water=no pee (I'm not advocating starvation and dehydaration).  You feed and water at set times when you can monitor her activity and make sure she does her business outside.  Take her out before and after meals and stay with her until the potty has been witnessed.  When she does go outside, it is the one thing that makes you so happy you can't praise her enough.  You should keep that schedule for the food, but you can go back to an all-day water bowl if the "accidents" stop.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any additional questions!

'sneezes
Dave