Pooping issues..

[steelergrl]

We are really good at a walking routine. They know that they will go out before I leave for work (between 6-6:15), before my boyfriend leaves for work (between 8:30-9), when I get home (between 4:45-5) and before we go to bed (between 9:45-10:15). We do leave the food out for them to eat whenever they'd like, so that might be a problem. Maybe they need to be on an eating routine? We also put food in their crates when we leave for the day. Is that bad? Sometimes they eat the food and sometimes they don't. The problem with Lilo is, she will go outside but not poop. She will wait until we get back into the house and then go. It's like she's scared to poop outside. We try staying outside with her for long periods of time too. She is more concerned with sniffing and what is going on elsewhere then with actually going to the bathroom. My boyfriend works long days (usually 10-12 hours), so I thought maybe she was acting out because of this. I mean, she was 'his' dog before she was 'our' dog. Maybe she misses him? I just don't know anymore.

[Seravieve]

I could be a lot of the changes in her life all adding up and this is how she relieves stress. A very easy way to control her need to potty is to control her food intake. Since you'll know when she ate, you'll know when she needs to potty. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. It might take a few days for them to realize, Oh I only get to eat now.. but they'll catch on.

When you start a routine.. I'd pick up the food bowls the night before.. let them nibble until 7 or 8.. and then pick them up and no more for the night. Then offer food in the morning, leave the bowls down for 15-20 minutes. Let them eat what they will, may not be all of it the first few times, until they catch on, but this is ok. Then offer dinner (10-12 hours later) and again, only leave the bowls down 15-20 minutes. Eventually they'll realize this is when they eat now.

Also, put them outside while you prepare the food, and then again after they eat, to ensure that they both go potty. =) Good luck!