I have a 3-year-old male mini schnauzer that we’ve had since he was 10 weeks old. He was potty trained for a while, but now he keeps pooping in the house. It’s happening in the kennel, in the playpen where I keep the dogs when unsupervised, and recently even in my son’s room. He’s peed a few times, but poop is the biggest problem. We’ve ruled out medical issues, and he’s on a consistent feeding schedule, going outside many times a day, including right before bed and as soon as we wake up. I’ve cleaned up with enzyme cleaners, got a new kennel, and praised him when he goes outside. We even tried using diapers overnight, which worked at first, but then he started pooping in them. When he barks in the kennel or stands by the door, we take him outside right away, but he rarely alerts. We usually just find poop when we check on him. It’s so frustrating to clean up after him all day. Does anyone have advice?
I would suggest attaching him to you with a waist leash when you’re home, so you can take him outside immediately if you see him about to poop. Take him out every hour just in case. If he’s having frequent accidents, it might mean he’s not fully potty trained yet. When unsupervised or at night, he should be in a crate that’s just big enough for him to stand and turn around in; this can help stop him from messing where he sleeps.
@Charlie
Great idea. I already have a waist leash, so I’ll try that. He’s kenneled with my other dog, but they’re separated by a divider. I think I’ll try to make the space even smaller or buy a new kennel. Thanks so much.
Try keeping a log of everything. Write down when he’s fed, how much, when he plays, and when he goes potty. Keep this log for a few days and then review it to see if you can spot a pattern.
Hepburn said:
Try keeping a log of everything. Write down when he’s fed, how much, when he plays, and when he goes potty. Keep this log for a few days and then review it to see if you can spot a pattern.
Thanks, I will definitely try that.
Hepburn said:
Try keeping a log of everything. Write down when he’s fed, how much, when he plays, and when he goes potty. Keep this log for a few days and then review it to see if you can spot a pattern.
Also, make a note of when people leave or return home. Once you find a pattern, you’ll be able to figure out what’s causing the accidents and how to fix it.
I don’t like pooping outside either. 
How big is your dog?
SophyGenesis said:
I don’t like pooping outside either.
Haha, same here. He’s 10lbs.
SophyGenesis said:
I don’t like pooping outside either.
That’s a good size. I agree with the other person about making the kennel smaller. Usually, dogs won’t poop in their bed, but if your schnauzer’s like my little dog, he might be sneaky. My small dog poops in hidden spots, and it’s easy to miss since the poop is so small. I think your schnauzer might have found a comfy spot to go inside, and now he thinks it’s okay. Supervision is key. Like mentioned earlier, you can attach a leash to him and keep an eye out for when he starts to go. If that doesn’t work, try managing the situation like I do. I use a pile of laundry for my tiny Chihuahua’s kennel, and she does her business in there when I can’t watch her. It’s not a huge mess and easy to clean. If you can’t watch him all the time, maybe give him a designated potty area in the kennel and manage the clean-up. Good luck.