Pooping in the house

Question
My 6 year old adopted mini dachsund poops in my house (i adopted him 1 year ago). I have another elder dog as well.  Recently, (4 months ago)family members and their pets, moved in with me. There are 3 large dogs, a bunny (in a crate) as well as a rat (also in a crate). Rupert (the dachsie) had pooped inside before they came. Now he is doing it more often.  I feed him on a schedule, no problem.  He has access to the outside.  I notice there is not a schedule to his pooping as he will do this sometimes before he eats or randomly during the day.  He has access to the outdoors most of the time.  I have noticed also that it doesn't seem to matter if he is able to go outside, he will still poop indoors. I do not know what to do as this behavior is very random.

Answer
Hi Marsha.  It sounds like Rupert is having some stress issues associated with the change in your household.  Regardless of the reason for the lapse in housetraining, the solution is always the same.  Control food intake and environment - management so he's not allowed to make a mistake - and training.

First, since it seems to be a "solid waste" problem rather than a "liquid" waste problem, check your dog food bag.  Be sure that there is no corn and no by-products listed in the ingredients.  The frequency and amount of poo will decrease if you feed a dry kibble without these ingredients.  If you're getting your dog food at a grocery store, it probably contains these fillers. And, of course, no people food! No wet dog food either.  

Next, Rupert should have his own private place to eat away from the other dogs.  He shouldn't have to worry while he's eating that the other dogs might be thinking about taking his food away. Put his bowl down for 10 minutes twice a day and pick up what isn't eaten and save for the next meal.  

Keep a log of his elimination activities.  You might find that he actually does have a pattern after keeping notes on it for a few days.

Confine him to a crate or small room in the house with a baby gate when you can't monitor him.  Restrict his access so he's not allowed in the room where he's had accidents.  Clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner and if possible, move a piece of furniture over the place he's been using as a toilet.

Go outside with him on potty breaks.  Put him on leash if necessary to keep his mind on what he's supposed to be doing out there.  If he eliminates, praise him and allow him some freedom in the yard and the house.  If he doesn't go, put him back in his confinement area.  Try again in 30 minutes.  Don't assume just because he's gone outside that he's done his business.  You must witness and reward the event!

You're basically going to have to go back to puppy housetraining with him:

(1) Control the environment - Don't allow him access to the areas he's had accidents in for at least 2 weeks.

(2) Management - When he can't be in the room with you, use a crate, ex-pen or confinement in a small room with a gate (don't close the door).  No freedom in the house.  

(3) Training - Go outside with him and reward him when he does what you want (potty outside).

Let me know if you have questions or comments on my suggestions.  Good luck.