Firstly I'd like to apologise for these ramblings. I'm certain I'm over-reacting, I've got 3 children with chickenpox so I've had no sleep for the last 2 nights and a hubby who thinks Hollys lovely manners are a complete coincidence.

For the last 2 days Holly has started pooing in the house. It doesn't matter that I've just spent 30mins outside with her on a lead, within minutes of use being back inside she's pooed on the carpet. Holly is taken out after every sleep, meal and drink and is rewarded when she performs. She isn't punished when she makes a mistake just taken outside so she can continue.

Does anyone have any suggestions why she's doing this? Is this because she's feeling more confident in the house or am I doing something wrong?

HELP!!!

Fiona

i know how u feel!! you stand there freezing to death smiling through your teeth saying "go and have a wee" good boy/girl and they just sit and look at you as though you are mad.

Just wondering if the kids are getting more attention due to their illnesses and she is saying come and look what I have done?
Only a suggestion, cant think of any other reason unless its just the normal regression that dogs seem to go through and unlearn what they already knew.

Don't beat yourself up over this Fiona - puppies often have these little "lapses". Is she pooing in the same spot every time? If so, then you need to thoroughly clean the area - I use one of those de-odorising solutions but others recommend biological detergent. Also I see no reason why you cannot reprimand Holly if you catch her in the act of "doing the deed" - nothing heavy, just a firm "No" & then take her back outside immediately.

Don't worry - most puppies go through these phases when it seems like you're going one step forward & two steps back, but if you are consistent, Holly will soon get the message :-)

Jane

Thanks Jane and Shadow's mum!! things have been a bit strained in the house the last few days and I don't think Holly really likes it. I've been staying downstairs these last few nights as Eloise is in my bed with hubby so her crying doesn't wake up Isabelle and Holly has my undivided attention then. She may be asleep but she still knows that mummy is there :D

Holly always poos by the lounge doors. It varies between the kitchen door, the french doors out to the garden and the stairs door. It's just so frustrating and it's easy to blow things out of proportion when you're tired.

Thanks again

Fiona

If she's pooing next to doors, it sounds like she's heading in the right direction and just not making it or catching your attention. Could that be right? If you find her hanging around the door, let her out even if you know she can't want to go. Then she'll get the idea that that's the place to stand if she wants to go out.

And then when she's bigger, she can just open the door handle herself like the grumpy collie.

I think Jane is right. You must say "No" in a firm voice when you catch her in the act and pick her up and put her outside. Plus give her lots of praise when she does do the deed outside. I know there's nothing worse than running down the hall with a peeing puppy, but they do get the hint :D

Think it is because you have had to change the domestic routine, don't worry too much I'm sure that when the spots go so will the poos. Jackie H

I too reckokn it is the change in routine, and agree it does sound as if Holly has a reasonable grasp of what is required as she is going by the doors. Nearly there but not quite, sort of thing :)

I had a lapse when Banya was a pup, and discovered it was because she could still scent where she had had the odd accident, but a really good clean with the right product as someone else suggested, works wonders.

Good luck, go pour yourself a glass of something, or else get the choccies out! :D

Lindsay

It's amazing what actually getting some sleep can do for ones perspective :D

I'm going to go right back to basics with Holly and start taking her out every hour on the hour during the day and after every sleep/drink/play session. She's still clean and dry overnight and is eating very well now so I'm not too concerned.

Thanks for all your advice,

Fiona

You're doing great! Holly is still so young, set backs are to be expected.
Your being consistent and that will pay off!