Dog pooping

Question
How can i get my dogs to poop in one place i have three one female(rott) a large male(rott dobe mix) and their male pup....they poop all over the yard and i want them to go in one place how can i do this?

Answer
Hi Harold,

Thank you for writing to me about your plans for confining your dog's poop to one area.

The best way I know of is to first pick up all the poop from the yard.  Then place a few lumps in the area you want your dogs to use.  After meals, take the dogs out on a leash and walk them to the area that is designated for pooping.  Walk them around until they go and then, just like puppy housebreaking, give a treat and praise. Do not let them loose in the yard until they automatically use that one place that you've chosen for them.  It would help to come up with a command..like "go poo" or "do your business" or whatever feels right for you.

When you walk them in their designated spot, use the command and when they go, praise and treat.  Do this for about 2 weeks until it is seared into their brains.

If they backslide, start all over again until they understand that this is what you expect from them.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis