Needing attention?

[SchnauzkyLVR]

So the last two nights, my lil Batman decided to leave us some presents in our living room, on the carpet at night. He did all his duties when we took him out before going to bed..and he didn't do very much, but none the less, it's been a looooooooong time since he has. He didn't have to go that bad since it was barely anything. I am not sure what to think really...

I recently started a new job that is longer hours so I'm not home as much, and my husband has opposite hours of me pretty much. Also, when we took him to the vet the other week, he told us to switch to feeding him twice/day instead of 3 times. A lot of changes going on for him i think.

I think he is lacking the usual amount of attention/play that he usually gets, even though i play with him tons when im home. Do you think he did this for attention? How do we get him to stop if he does it again? We play with him so much and take him out a lot, but seems like me working that few extra hours/day is maybe upsetting him?

[Momto3]

If you're working later and he's eating later - could be the problem. Not enough time for him to be ready for bed. Just a thought but it could be the change in food too. Merlin does it to me too once in a while. He's just too busy hunting for lizards and frogs to pay attention to business! ;)

[Howler]

my charlie used to 'poop in protest' if his routine was changed or he got told off, it was incredibly frustrating. he stopped doing it eventually, the only time he has lrft a present since was when there was a storm and he was too scared of the wind and snuck back inside. hopefully he will adjust to his new routine and stop doing it

[Furbilator]

I agree with Howler, he will adjust to the new schedule given time. I would however suggest that you don't limit his outside time to just elimination. Sometimes we do this because we are rushed and the dog doesn't understand the new timeline. Also, some dogs will not eliminate fully if they think that as soon as they do the deed that is the end of playtime/attention. Give him plenty of time and attention both before and after elimination so that he will go when nature calls and on a schedule too. LOL

[Howler]

hehe furbs it sounded like you were describing bense, he has a nice run around and sniffs everything a million times before he will even wee in the mornings, many a time ive stood there watching the clock thinking i will be late for work lol

[Jr_K9_Expert]

No I doubt it would be because he wants attention. Especially seeing how this is done at night you said? There is no immediate attention thus there is no connection to the soiled carpet and any attention he might get in the morning.

It definitely seems more of what Howler and Furbs have said already, the schedule change. This usually will upset a dog and they will tend to do strange things. It might take a little while to adjust to.

Instead of just letting him out, and right back inside I would suggest that you take him outside for a walk, usually the exercise will encourage him to relieve himself, that being done there will be nothing left for him to soil the carpet with ;)

Would crating be an option for you? Might be a good idea in the mean while.

[SchnauzkyLVR]

He ended up being ok and didn't do it anymore after those 2 nights..phew!
I did take him out on longer walks and have made it a point to play with him more. It has gotten much better and no problems since! thanks for all the advice everyone! :)

[BetterDog4U]

Whoo Hoo ... Batman!!! :D