Expert: Nancy Perry - 11/2/2009

Question
I adopted a Schnoodle from a rescue 2 months ago. He is approx. 2 years-old, and not too much was known about his background in terms of training. I bought a crate in order to crate-train him for housebreaking. I established a schedule, and he was doing fairly well until recently. Up to this point, he has not created a "tell" for going outside. Instead, I've been taking him out about 4 times a day and praise him when he goes outside. He had a couple of accidents in the 1st month but nothing unexpected, but he has now pooped in the house 4 days in a row and I am not sure why he seems to be regressing. I feel like I have been consistent as I have previous experience in housetraining the dog I had before (a Lab). I don't want to encourage this bad habit, but I am not sure how to reprimand him and get him back on the right track. This dog is awesome in all other ways, but I want a dog who will respect my space as well as his own as he has never soiled in his crate. I don't want to take him back, but I am really at a loss as to where to go from here.

Answer
Stasha,
couple of questions,
have you changed his food,  is he being given any different treats or table food,  does he get into any food or shrubs and eat it outside.  Has your routine changed?
While you are answering this, I would suggest you add a little cooked rice to his meals.
nancy