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8 months pregnant, dog starts pooping on the floor again

1018 Views 1 Reply 2 Participants Last post by  Sabina88
Hank, my german shepard/lab mix, is 3 years old and we have had him for a little over two years. We got him from the shelter when he was 9 months. He was mostly potty trained then, but has always had the occasional accident. Lately it seems like it is almost every day though. The only time we had a nice break from the constant coming home to find poop on the floor was recently when my husband was out of town for 4 days. Those 4 days not a single accident or any bad behavior. That's what has me so confused. I was thinking that maybe he was sensing the changes around the household getting ready for the baby, but I don't know why he would have been so good while my husband was gone. I am his obvious favorite and I believe the alpha (I have one older dog who is a perfect angel), and I am wondering if this is related to Hank being jealous of the upcoming baby and my husband. He is a very jealous dog and barely lets me pet my other dog without walking between her and I. I feel I should mention also, that it is my husbands responsibility to take care of the dogs in the morning, but I obviously took over while he was gone. I'm wondering if me being the last person Hank saw had any influence in his behavior while we are gone. If so, should I somehow figure out a way my husband can be the alpha instead? I really need help. I don't know how I am going to handle a newborn and this dog's disgusting mess if I can't get him to stop.
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If this a new behavior that started suddenly, I would take him to the vets to make sure there's nothing going on medically. It could also be stress related from you leaving home. Do you take him out before you leave?

The other thing I want to add is dogs don't understand jealousy. And you and your husband don't need to be a alpha to him. The whole alpha really don't apply to the dog human relationship.

What do you do when you come home and find poop on the floor? Does he only poop inside when your gone or when your home as well? Has there been any changes to his diet? Is he other wise healthy and acting normal? Does he have free roam of the house/is he crate trained?
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