Pooping Problem Challenge

[JaderBug]

My dad's BCs, Rocko & Sasha (6 years old), have been riding out to the hog farm with him in the bed of the truck for the last 3 years or so. Recently, Dad arrives only to find that one of them has pooped in the bed along the way... he thinks it's Sasha. It's just a work truck, so I don't think it's that big of a deal, just kind of unpleasant, so I doubt he'd put a lot of work into solving this. Neither of the dogs are crate trained or trained to potty on command, so getting them to empty their tanks before the trip isn't really an option, nor is buying crates. They are typical go-along farm dogs... they have great manners, but they're not really trained to do anything.

 

Basically, I am wondering what anyone would do to fix a problem like this with as little input as possible (yes, I know, kind of an oxymoron, but it's my dad, not me doing it and he would be less inclined to put much into it). It's pretty much impossible to catch her in the act, and she doesn't potty in front of people as it is so it would be really hard to teach her to do it on command.

 

Any ideas??

[Sue R]

I think that some BCs will empty out in anticipation of work, exercise, or excitement. Does your Dad give them a good chance to go before getting into the truck? If not, giving them that chance might do the trick.

 

Once a bad habit is established (and the scent is present), it may be hard to retrain to avoid this issue. But, I think, if he can give them the opportunity (a little walk, some time out prior to going in the truck) that it might be all that is needed for this one dog.

[Debbie Meier]

When are the dogs being fed? Is it in the morning before chores? Are they kept inside at night? Also, if this is a regular deal (same time every day), see if your dad will jump the dogs in the truck 1/2 hour earlier then normal, drive them just to the barn, or part way down the driveway and then jump them back out and give the a chance to empty out. It's possible that that quick in and out will stimulate their "Morning Sabadical". I think it is more to get their timing right and to give them the chance to empty out once the timing is set. Unfortunately because the dog is comfortable doing the business in the truck it's going to be tough to make her/him think they shouldn't.

 

Deb