Need help - poop - behavior problems

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Need help - poop - behavior problems

Posted : 8/21/2006 1:22:17 PM

We have a 6 yo cocker spaniel that has suddenly decided she is no longer house trained. Nothing has changed in her routine in the last few weeks. Why all of a sudden is she doing this?

Background - she has always been a little "squirrely" but nothing we couldn't live with - occassional growling, crawling under the bed, etc.. She has adjusted very well to our 1 yo daughter. She is growling some at our daughter but we keep a close watch on her and it really hasn't been a problem at this point. Am I being naive about this?

She is basically an indoor dog and has been good about going outside to do her business. In the last week, she has pooped on the floor 3 times. I gave her a break when she did it and thought maybe I was busy with the baby and just didn't recognize she needed to go out. But I'm seriously doubting that was the problem after she went to the back of the house today and pooped on the floor without letting anyone know she needed to go out.

If we make her an outside dog, I'm afraid her aggression will increase towards the baby and she will feel left out from the group. Any ideas?

Tracy W.

Posted : 8/23/2006 6:12:45 PM

Have you taken her to see the vet lately? A change in bowl habit can be a medical issue.

I have a question for you...How do you feed your dog? Scheduled or "trough" feeding?

After you have ruled out any medical issues with your dog, sounds like you will have to go back to "basic potty training" like when she was a pup: don't let her out of your sight, don't scold her for going in the house and reward like crazy when she goes where she is supposed to!

Debbie R

Posted : 8/23/2006 6:29:28 PM

I agree w/ Tracey 100%.She needs to see a vet, but something must of changed, she is scared of something, I think you need to watch her body language more closely, is she pooping when you are gone, when you are home, or both.
What aggression towards the baby?
If you make a 6yr old dog an outside dog you will break her heart.
More is going on that you are not explaining in your post.
Is the baby going at her, pulling her tail, hugging her? Something?
Please don't put the dog outside but by all means don't leave the dog and baby alone ever.