Hmm...In my experience I'd have to say this is a learned behavior, since natural instinct for a dog is to defecate away from feeding areas. She is obviously doing this for a reason if this has become routine, so in order to correct the behavior we can either prevent it and/or replace it. First, how often do you clean the mat and the bowls? If she smells the urine/feces on these things she associates the smell with the action and thinks it's okay to go here. Also before you put down her bowls take her potty, potty pad or grass, and give her a treat when she goes. If she thinks she can get a treat when she goes potty in the correct place, she'll be less likely to squeeze one out in defiance. Good luck. =) |