5 year old labrador going backwards

[Rose - Marie Langley]

Join our free community today.

Connect with other like-minded dog lovers!

Login or Register

Hello Everyone,

New member here! so glad to find this site. Basically, I have a 5 year old Red Fox Labrador who has always been house trained since a pup, he was very quick of the mark to learn. He hasn't had any accidents in the house..... Until....

3 weeks ago, me and my partner introduced our (Now 11 week old) Kelpie puppy, which has been great, they've got on amazing - literally the best of friends. Peggy is under going her 'potty training' which is great, she's learning to go outside in our garden (she has had both vaccinations) However, my Labrador seems to have gone backwards, he's having accidents on a night time, he doesn't even make a noise to go out to the toilet, he just messes.
I'm starting to think; is this because when our puppy is messing in the house (on newspaper) obviously the attention is on her. is he now just messing on the floor for the attention? Has anyone experienced this?

 

[JoanneF]

When there's a change in toilet habits the first step should be to rule out a medical cause. So pop a sample into the vet to rule out a UTI.

If that's clear, you could go back to basics with toilet training - take him out more than he needs and when he toilets outside, reward him immediately and generously.

 

[Feverfew]

Hello Everyone,

New member here! so glad to find this site. Basically, I have a 5 year old Red Fox Labrador who has always been house trained since a pup, he was very quick of the mark to learn. He hasn't had any accidents in the house..... Until....

3 weeks ago, me and my partner introduced our (Now 11 week old) Kelpie puppy, which has been great, they've got on amazing - literally the best of friends. Peggy is under going her 'potty training' which is great, she's learning to go outside in our garden (she has had both vaccinations) However, my Labrador seems to have gone backwards, he's having accidents on a night time, he doesn't even make a noise to go out to the toilet, he just messes.
I'm starting to think; is this because when our puppy is messing in the house (on newspaper) obviously the attention is on her. is he now just messing on the floor for the attention? Has anyone experienced this?

Welcome to your new puppy! It may or may not be the use of indoor toileting, but I personally am not a fan of teaching dogs to toilet indoors, whether on newspaper or puppy pads, as the ultimate aim is for them to toilet outside. With any luck, your Labrador could even help new pup to learn where it is a good place to go! I would be going back to square one with toilet training, but this would be encouraging him to go outside to toilet, accompanied by you.
I also agree that health issues need checking out, and also whether there is any jealousy emerging with the new puppy getting so much attention, especially when she goes to the toilet in the right place. I suggest you make more time for your older dog, and make sure he has plenty of time with you, on walks for example, without the new dog there.