April 21, 2011
My dog sniffs around a lot to find just the right spot before he poops. Why does he do this? Any suggestions?
Full Question:
Hello Cindy,I tried to find this on your site before I asked but I couldn't. When I take my dog out to go potty, I don't have trouble with him peeing, but when it's time to poop, he has to find the right spot. He with sniff around, and get ready to poop and stop and move around and sniff some more. This drives me nuts. It's like he has to find the perfect spot. Why does he do this? I didn't have a problem with this when he was a puppy. I would bring him to the spot I wanted him to go potty and he would go. He is 7 months now. I do have another dog and I wasn't sure if it had anything to do with marking. There are sometimes when he will find a place quick, but the rest of time he walks back and forward trying to find a spot. And the spot could be inches away from where he just was. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Respectfully,
Marcus
Cindy's Answer:
Every dog is different and some are just like this.
If you use marker training with your dog you could try marking it with a YES when he poops and then either play with him or give him a high value treat. Of course, if your dog is taught to go to the bathroom on command this will make it easier too.
My 7 month old pup will go out and pee and poop in less than 2 minutes, because I've made a HUGE deal out of it when she goes when I ask her to. It took a lot of time at first, but it's paying off now (especially since we have about 30" of snow on the ground).
Cindy Rhodes
If you use marker training with your dog you could try marking it with a YES when he poops and then either play with him or give him a high value treat. Of course, if your dog is taught to go to the bathroom on command this will make it easier too.
My 7 month old pup will go out and pee and poop in less than 2 minutes, because I've made a HUGE deal out of it when she goes when I ask her to. It took a lot of time at first, but it's paying off now (especially since we have about 30" of snow on the ground).
Cindy Rhodes
100% (2 out of 2)
respondents found this answer helpful
Can't find what you're looking for?
100% (2 out of 2)
respondents found this answer helpful
