Toilet Training Problem Dog!

Question
I have two 11 month old Labradors (male from the same litter) one choc. and one black.  The black one seems to pick things up quicker and was toliet trained fairly quick, however, the choc dog STILL has one number 1 and a number 2 every night on the kitchen floor.  I am sick of having to clean it up every day!  I have tried:
1) 1st the usual from day one - puppy training pads or paper every day then just at night then gradually took them away.
2) Completely bleaching the floor so no smells are left there and used dog 'get off' spray too.
3) Took them out late in the garden and praised them when they did their business and up early in a.m. to open the door.
4) Reduced to one meal when they were old enough just in the a.m. to stop droppings at night.
5) Point at the mess in the a.m. and say 'what's this, get out' and leave them outside for a while.
And still there is ALWAYS a number 1 and a number 2 dropping on my floor every morning!
What else can I do - do you think there is a problem?
Shall I start the training again - it's driving me mad!
They have a lovely life too it's not like they are locked in all day etc. there is always someone in so they can go in and out and they have a lovely garden too.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Corrie

Answer
Dear Corrie,
Thanks for the question. As I was reading, I was going to suggest a change in feeding schedule - hmm you've done that. I see why you are frustrated. Do you have an evil house mate that is feeding the dogs at night? ;)

Just curious, how do you know it's the choc lab?
Do they stay in the kitchen at other times of the day, or just at night?
Do they defecate and urinate late in the evening before you go to bed- and then, still a mess in the morning?
What are the first four ingredients of their food?
Do they get treats at night?
Could they be getting into cat litter or eating anything after breakfast?
Are they crate trained?
Do they ever have accidents inside - besides at night?
Do you leave them in the kitchen when you leave during the day? If so, any accidents?
Do you ever leave them alone during the day? If so, where are they?
Do they whine or bark when in kitchen at night?

Without answers to these questions, I would suggest using a crate or exercise pen to reduce the size of their area at night. It's always possible that a medical condition is contributing to the accidents. Have your vet check them for parasites and bladder infection.

Get back to me with answers and I'll do my best to help. Thanks for writing.

Alan J Turner
http://howsbentley.com