Golden Doodle puppies- potty issues

Question
I have 2 littermate males golden doodles, 17 weeks old. They are indoors when I am home before, and after work & weekends.  When I am not home, they are in a fenced yard with a covered deck -very nice for them.  They are peeing & pooping on the deck, not in the yard when I am not with them, when I am home they are going on the pee pads, or I can tell when they have to go, and I walk them into the yard. I would like to fix this problem, for the deck they stay on is also a very nice area we entertain on frequently, and it is starting to smell and look bad.  Yesterday, when I got home, there was poop on the outdoor sofa (on the deck)! Any suggestions?  Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Jennifer-

Dogs are very toiletry animals. They prefer to use one space over and over again as a dedicated toilet area. (Thats why pads and papertraining and house training work) It sounds like they have chosen your deck! I'm sorry!!

You are going to have to fence that area completely off somehow. A baby gate, chicken wire, something. I would fence it off, clean it VERY good with bleach solution, and leave it fenced off for about 2-3 months. In the meantime, walk them to one spot in the yard where you would like them to go potty, and praise them extensively when they do. They will quickly learn that the deck is off limits, just like they are learning with the house!