Have there been any major changes in the household or the yard that may affect him? I'd also take him to the vet for a check-up to rule out anything medical.
If all that checks out... I would put him on a leash and walk him last thing at night, and instead of just letting him out in the morning, walk him on a leash then until he eliminates, and praise and treat him. Because he has gone outside early and comes back in to do his business, that's telling me something is going on here, or something is wrong. |