2 year old dog toilet training regression and baby on the way

[Aismixx]

My two year old dog has started going number one and two in the house. We have a baby on the way soon and it couldn't be worse timing.

It started one night at about 5am I heard him crying.. I ran downstairs and was too late. He did a number 2 on the kitchen floor.

Since then it has been a common occurrence.. these times with no barking or urge to go outside first (we have cameras). He seems to have no urge to call for attention to be let outside any more.

We were in the same room as him and he just walked over to the usual spot and went number 2 on the floor. No warning or usual tap on the back door to be let out.

It's now number 1 and 2.. just lifts his leg against this area as if it's a lampost. There has been no change to his routine or food and has been wormed. He gets let out every night before we go to bed or leave the house and does usually 'go' outside when we do this.

Throughout pregnancy I have had a strong aversion to his dog food smell.. but the smell of his number 1 and 2's at the moment I really really really can't face.

I don't think he has clocked a baby is on the way so I don't think it's that? I am wondering if he is avoiding going outside because it is so cold lately? Really afraid he has pegged this area as his new 'place' and need the habit broken! 😭

Ps. We do the usual lifting of the poop, showing it to him and bringing him with us outside where he should be doing them.

Which had worked for his puppy potty training.

No noses in it or hitting.

Take the dog to the vet to see if there is a reason for this. Is he being walked regularly. Possibly avoiding going out because of extreme cold. Hopefully this will just be a temporary thing.

Take to vet to rule anything out but you would be amazed at what they can sense/pick up on, even hormone changes. He has likely sensed something has changed so just go back to basics. I would never advocate showing him the poo, what does that achieve? He will have no idea why you are doing it. Just go back to taking him out frequently and LOTS of praise when he goes. Be prepared for more behaviour regression once baby arrives.

We were told this by the vet when we first got him.. like 'this is your poop and this is where it was supposed to go' kind of thing 😰😭!

Really?? Like what??

He is literally the best dog. We haven't been concerned with how he will be around a baby but have plans to adjust him once the due date gets a bit closer. Didn't think now was the time to start baby training this with the whole potty situation going on

Some vets haven't moved with the times in regards to training! A dog won't have any concept of why you are showing them their poo. Their brains don't think like humans and they live in the moment hence praising immediately when they do a behaviour you want and ignoring a behaviour you dont want. Showing a dog their poo has zero impact on them other than to cause confusion.
Toilet regression is a sign of either something physically wrong or anxiety/stress. Go to vets and rule out anything physical and then you know you are dealing with anxiety.
Start baby training ASAP, no point waiting until the baby is here. Starting early means you have lots of time to overcome potential issues rather than rushing it all towards the end.

Potential behavioural issues that can arise with a baby (not saying that they will arise but you need to prepare to catch anything at the first sign): guarding of you or baby, separation anxiety and just generally being unsettled

Vet appointment booked but no availability until next week 🙃.

Experiment tonight..

• fed earlier
• return of puppy training jingle bells on back door so can potentially be woken up by any interest on back door

- longer than usual evening walk - have placed a large object in area where has been doing his business so he can't poop or pee here

Fingers crossed 🤞

Hi! I hope you can find a solution to this problem soon