Molly, our 2 1/2 year old black lab LOVES to poop and pee every night around 3-4 am in the house. We broke this once, by replacing the flooring where she would go. She has recently started again on the upstairs carpet. She is a ball fiend, so we have tried taking her out in the yard after dinner with no ball, as it seemed to be a distraction. But no help. She runs around with her bum looking like she needs to poo, but just wont go, no matter how long we stay out with her (we have 3 acres for her to run around and do business.) She gets treats and praise when she does go outside, but we can't seem to break the habit. I don't want to crate her at night, as she sleeps on her dog bed in her room. I'm worried if we gate her in our room, she will start using the bedroom floor. I wonder if this has become her bio-rhythm? HELP!!!!
Are you only letting her into the yard? Or do you actively walk her around the 3 acres (on and off lead in areas?) Perhaps a walk in a different environment would encourage her to poop. She may see it as home or play ground rather than designated poop time. When we got Cody he would go in our garden. Now he wont at all unless he is unwell. We take him out Morning and Evening for a walk and he is let into the garden at lunchtime and before bed (he often has the evening in the garden but he see it as play time. He will only wee in the garden. I've read that by taking them out on a lead they prepare themselves to be going to the toilet. They associate. I could be wrong but for us its true. Hope this helps somehow
We play ball in the front portion of the yard, and then I walked her for an hour around the rest (off leash) without playing ball. I ripped up the carpet last night and mopped the hardwood floors and she didn't pee or poo last night. She also didn't poo this morning after breakfast.
What are you cleaning the floor with? If you are using normal cleaning products they can encourage your pup to use the area again. You need a type that is ammonia free so that it does not mimic wee.
