re house training an older dog

Question
I have a 17 year old miniature schnauzer that canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome; she is being properly medicated and care for by her vet.  She no longer gets lost in her on house nor pace the floors all night; however, she has regress to pooping in the house.  I let her out every two to three hours during the day for 15 to 20 minutes; she will urinate outside and sometime have a bowel movement, other times she will come back in and have a bowel movement in my house! Help me, I am steps ... one step away from putting a diaper on her.

Answer
That is great to hear that medication is helping her! It can be really tough living with a senile dog.

As to the pooping, you need to keep a journal so that you have a clue when she needs to eliminate. Most dogs do keep to something of a schedule in regard to this. I think you might need to watch her when she is outside so that you know whether or not she has gone. You might also try confining her more to one particular room... say the kitchen... where it will be a bit easier to clean up after her. Give her a nice, soft bed to sleep in so that she is comfortable. If she is loose with you, keep half an eye on her and watch for indications that she might need to poop so that you can scoop her up and get her outside.

Bless her heart.... give your ol' gal a big hug from me!