Katy Harvey
Posted : 1/16/2007 1:39:42 PM
Interrupt, replace, reward.
Interrupt the behavior (clap or say "hey" or "outside" when you see them starting to go).
Replace (take them outside).
Reward (treat or praise when they do their thing outside).
Unfortunately, if the "interrupt"

art is missing, you can't do the replace/reward part so they don't understand what is the RIGHT thing to do. Once the deed is done, you cannot do anything about it.
I'd just keep a closer eye on her, keep a regular feeding schedule and remember when poop times are. I could almost set a clock to my puppies poop times (pee is another story!), I know when they usually need to go so I allow enough time with them outside until they go. If you can't watch them, crate them (if your dog is crate trained). If not, keep her tethered to you on a leash so she can't sneak off and poop. Unfortunately, until you nip this in the bud you've got to keep a better eye on your pup and lavishly praise when she goes outside.
Both my pups went through this stage of sneaking off and pooping, and it was my fault every time. Once they had enough positive reinforcement of going outside and being rewarded for it, they finally "got it" and were officially housebroken (for the most part--dogs will still have accidents occasionally no matter what age--accidents happen!).