Adult dog "marking territory" on top of potty training accidents

[RunnerHasbeen]

We got our dog when he was nearly three and fully house trained. He is nearly ten now and he has never had accidents. At seven he had a bum polyp that made him think he needed to poona lot and he would whine at the door - never, never go in the house.

However, last year did some poos in the house and a couple of times we joked about the unlucky bit of carpet as it happened to be where DD had had an accident the day before. He was having some tummy problems then though (now completely fixed, one very expensive operation later) so it didn't occur to us that it might be a behavioural issue, we assumed medical.

Since Christmas DD has only had a few accidents but twice he has pooed on that spot within the next few days. He has never pooed on an accident free bit of carpet. Today was awful, he must have sneaked off straight after his second walk, got on the sofa and done a poo. I was at home with him all day, he never asked out to go or had any medical need.

I have no idea how to handle this, I wish we had put two and two together earlier. We also have a younger child who will be potty training next year, so I can't just rely on DD's bladder making the issue go away. He has no problems with the DCs, I would go as far as saying he likes them, loves the older one even.

Any advice at all? I'll be so grateful if anyone has any insights at all, especially if I can stop him doing it.

[KatharineClifton]

There is a product called Urine Off which I got on Amazon which worked well for me on rugs in the past. Not so sure it'd work as well on the sofa. There are other cheaper ways involving vinegar or something - probably peeps on the Good Housekeeping board will know. I've got hardwood floors, no rugs and leather sofas now though so problem solved.

[RunnerHasbeen]

We have got a spray for cleaning it, but I think (being a hound) his sense of smell is too good. I'll maybe try vinegar as well, in case it puts him off. I just don't know why he is doing it, he doesn't seem territorial at all.