pooping in the house

Question
I have miniature pinscher he is 3 yrs old. Has been a great dog. But recently he has been pooping in my living room. He usually goes in the yard and we also walk him. He always pooped when he is was walked in the morning. Now sometimes. He just doesn't go.When we return home I'll run out and come home to poop in the living room. Today was the first time he pooped while i was home..What is going on?? Please help..

Answer
Hi Marie,

You didn't say if there has been something happening in your home lately that could be stressing your dog. Any change, such as a person moving out, a new baby, a new pet, a change in your work or school schedule, a change of food, preparing to move etc., can cause a trained dog to start to have accidents.

Until you figure out why your dog is having this problem, you need to give him more frequent opportunities to go outside to relieve himself, and supervise him when he's not being contained to a crate. Confinement is really only useful as a tool to keep your dog from soiling the entire house when you cannot be there to monitor him. Be sure o clean areas in your home where he's soiled, use an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle.

When you're home, the best way to correct your dog is to catch him in the act and yell "NO" very loudly and firmly. This helps him make an immediate connection between your displeasure and his actions. Next, take him outside and give him his command to go potty in a pleasant tone. If he complies you can reward him with affection. If he does not, you return to the house quietly without reward. You have to be diligent about monitoring him for accidents when he's free to roam the house, and you have to be just as diligent about taking him outside on a regular schedule.

Whenever a reliably house trained dog suddenly starts having accidents in the home, a vet exam is a good idea, especially if there hasn't been any changes in your household or routine.

Best of luck,
Patti