Toilet Training Advice Needed

[german_shepherd]

I need some advise on toilet training as I am at a loss.

We have a 3yo shepherd who has always been very clean and would poop in the specified area...until recently....

It started with the odd poop here and there...then over a few months more and more here and there. He now goes anywhere he feels like it. All over the yard, on the concrete. Basically where ever he is standing is just about good enough for him!

When I see him about to go, I bring him to the specified area and praise him when he is done. Lots of rewards. I am always quick to catch him and redirect him but of course there are times I am not there to supervise.

All poop is scooped up 2 times a day (seriously! I keep it very clean) and I am not sure why he is not catching on?

He is a well behaved boy, very eager to please and this is very out of character and has progressively got worse.

Any help appreciated.

[persephone]

Hi.

With an adult dog..and such a change in toilet behaviour..may I reccommend he has a thorough ..vet check first....make sure to tell the vet how many times a day the dog toilets... when the beahviour started, and any other information.to rule out a physical problem.

It could be anything from a change in diet, to something badly wrong in his gut, to...who knows. Impossible to 'diagnose' properly over the internet

After he gets the all-clear then you can perhaps get in a behaviourist to find out the whys, and work out strategies to help.

keep us posted

[Bonmedia]

I need some advise on toilet training as I am at a loss.

We have a 3yo shepherd who has always been very clean and would poop in the specified area...until recently....

It started with the odd poop here and there...then over a few months more and more here and there. He now goes anywhere he feels like it. All over the yard, on the concrete. Basically where ever he is standing is just about good enough for him!

When I see him about to go, I bring him to the specified area and praise him when he is done. Lots of rewards. I am always quick to catch him and redirect him but of course there are times I am not there to supervise.

All poop is scooped up 2 times a day (seriously! I keep it very clean) and I am not sure why he is not catching on?

He is a well behaved boy, very eager to please and this is very out of character and has progressively got worse.

Any help appreciated.

I can't help but agree with the other person who answered. Medical check first, then have a look at how much your control over the dog may have slipped over the past 3 years. Sometimes we start off well, but as the dog never seems to give us any trouboe we slack off a little and olar, we are suddenly have trouble of some discription as the dog matures. Have you done any Obedience Training with him? Perhaps if not, you should look at doing some. Get a copy of the book "Who's the Boss"? This will help you to understand more.

Best of luck. Bonmedia.