Figured out the Pooing problem........now what ?
 

We figured out why our girl went from totally pad trained to pooing on the couch.........she is jealous. When she gets mad she poo's on the couch and now in front of the baby gate that is set up in our bedroom hallway. This started a couple days ago. She had never even had an interest in the gated area and now whenever anyone goes in there she barks and then poo's in front of the gate. Whenever Im sitting with or even talking to my husband without her on our laps........she is pooing on the couch.

This dog gets tons of attention and Im not sure why she is doing this........any idea's on how to stop this?

When your little girl potties on the pad, praise her profusely. Throw a little party, praising and dancing, and give her a yummy treat.

When she potties on the couch or anywhere she is not supposed to, don't say anything and calmly clean it up without giving her any attention.

I think I would take away the privilege of being on the couch if she is doing her business there.

Is it possible that the reason she poops is that she is getting herself worked up when she doesn't have your attention? When Teddy was still a pup, he would have to poop the instant I had to leave because he was anxious. He did his business on the pad, but it was unpleasant for him and especially his brother to be stuck with the poopy pad in the pen until I returned. I had to put them in their room, wait 10 minutes for Teddy to do his thing, take care of it, and then I could leave them.

I would treat this less as a malicious thing she is doing and more that she is anxious and desperate to always have your attention. A good schedule, a routine, if you don't already have one, is helpful in combating anxiety. Try to do meals, playtime, walks, training, bed time at about the same time each day. Work on draining her energy.

Hope some of this might help.

I was told animals don't act out that way, but my daughter had a cat that did. When my daughter's boyfriend would come over they would watch TV, in Kelsey's room, sitting on her bed. When he would leave Bella would poo on the bed right where he had been sitting. She has never gone outside the litter box in the 7 years we've had her (except when he would come over). Bella is very possessive of Kelsey and that was "their" room. It may have been she was trying to cover his scent. I don't know if we will truly understand what goes on in their little brains.

I think Maximo had great advice about praising when she goes where you want her to go. I would probably put a sheet over the couch to protect it until you get the problem fixed. Good luck.

Kathy, you wrote that your little was good with potty training before. Have you discussed this with your vet? Have you ruled out health issues and discussed things associated with a first heat (or is she spayed already)? I don't have girls, so my knowledge is limited in this area.

How many times per day is she pooping?

Hi Ladies :) Thanks so much for your answers!

Isabella been to the vet as I wanted to make sure there wasnt a bladder infection or a blockage as when this started she was straining badly. She is still going on her "pee pad" and not wetting anywhere in the house.

I dont think she is being malicious :). I understand she is a
puppy and wants 100% undivided attention :) and when she isnt getting it she gets stressed and "acts out" by pooing. I understand it, I dont like it or want it lol. She does get attention and exercise. She is a very spoiled girl. She is not allowed on the couch at all anymore. We sit on the floor with her.

I guess I could call a puppy shrink lol.........good grief lol leave it to me to have a puppy with insecurity issues LOL.

I don't think it is a serious insecurity issue. Most of these little ones love having our undivided attention every waking moment. :) Maturity will probably help, and continuing praising for pooping in the correct place.