help me stop my puppy using the kitchen as a toilet when we are out

[slartybartfast]

Two hours we were out today.
i gave her a feed, long walk, and went out for 2 hours, to be greeted by a big poo on the kitchen floor.
this is quite usual.
perhaps i shouldnt have given her the kong - it had two biscuits stuffed in it.

she is 17 months btw

Yes, maybe it's the biscuits in the kong, if she's been walked and done her business then don't give her more food when she's left :)

I'd be inclined to think it a separation anxiety issue tbh
How is she generally when being left?

i couldnt say how she is, as i try not to make a fuss, perhaps I should make less of a fuss when I come back

Yes definitely make it very matter of fact coming back too. Continue leaving a kong and exercising her first as that will definitely be helping.

Could you ask neighbours if she barks? Or ideally, rig up a device and record what she is up to so you can find out for certain? Even just the sound would give you some clues if video is not possible.

she doesnt bark normally.
so the kong even with biscuits ?

A dog of her age is quite capable physically of going many hours between poo breaks. Unless she is in the routine of going at that specific time, it's unlikely that she is simply caught short, especially if it is at different times of the day when you get an accident.

Doubt it's the kong - my 14 week puppy is left with a kong and it doesn't cause him to poo. Too late for a crate for your dog I guess if you have never used one .....

so just be matter of fact when coming back. oh hard.

Some dogs settle better alone when there is some background noise.....try leaving the radio on low. Try to build up the time left gradually if at all possible

www.petforums.co.uk/dog-training-behaviour/112552-how-help-dog-separation-anxiety.html

This link will give you some ideas. Although it may be more suitable to enlist the help of a behaviourist before the behaviour becomes more severe

Make no fuss of your dog when leaving or entering the house.

thanks for the link wkwc. looks feasible, well, may be not the sedatives/calmers, although i do have some bachs rescue remedy. but the going out and coming back to forewarn them.