English Bulldog issues

Question
This questions pertains to my sister's dog. He is an english bulldog. She lived with us for a couple months and he was still a puppy. He was not easy to train with simple commands but my husband and I kind of took over because she tends to be submissive. Now she has moved in with her boyfriend and he is causing them problems. However, the bulldog only causes problems when they are both home. He is potty trained and has been but when they're both home he will poop in the house, not pee though. He becomes hyper and doesn't listen. Is there some kind of advice I can tell her? Is it because of his new home and he is acting out? She exercises him and everything and is completely calm if only one of them is home. I usually know dogs, but this one has stumped me as well. Thank ou for your response.

Answer
The dog has moved into a new house and with a new person.  How does the dog tell the owners that he has to go out?  Just because he knew how in one house, doesn't necessarily mean he will carry that skill over to a new home.  He should be prevented from having free run of the house.  Use a crate as necessary or gate him in a small room.  When they are home, he should be kept in the same room or always within eyesight.  Feed twice a day and pick up what's not eaten after 10 minutes. Control input and they will have a better idea of when to expect output.

This might also be anxiety-driven behavior.  Until he learns this new place and new person is OK and he's safe there, they may continue to see him exhibit stress in various ways.  I would encourage her to find a training class that uses positive methods so they both can learn to communicate better with the dog.  Petsmart offers good, affordable classes or I can recommend a trainer in your area if you'd like.

Another thought that comes to mind is that now that his "mom" is living with a new guy, the only time he can get her attention is when he acts out - I'll bet he gets plenty of it when he's hyper!

This is one of those cases that I'd have to see in person in order to give more specific advice.  It really sounds like an adjustment issue to me that should resolve itself with the suggestions I've given above.  Please let me know if you have any further questions or comments.