How do I get him to go in a new spot?

Posted by cousteau
Apr 23, 2011
I am a new puppy owner, and did not know that when I got home with Cousteau, that the first place he went, he would always go. So, now my front yard (right next to my food garden) is the dog-poop area, and I am not sure how to make him move to the side yard instead.
I would have tried to put a piece of scat there earlier, but he had a medical problem that required me to pick up all of his poop asap. The last time I tried to get him to move to the new spot, I made sure he had to go, and took him to the new place, and continued to walk there for at least 15 minutes. Needless to say, the minute we decided to go back in, he dragged me to the old spot, and pooped.
I have looked all over the housetraining forum for answers, but have found none so far. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for any help offered.
Posted by KOPCaroline
Apr 25, 2011
Hey there,

Does he actually go in the same exact spot each time you let him out? Most dogs wont go in the same place EVERY time, maybe leaving him a few minutes on him own will help him wander a bit?

If not, is there a way you can temporarily block his access to wherever you don't want him to poo? Chicken fences or something similar can easily be put up for a week or so til he finds a new place to go thats ok with you and him. This might be the way to go if he won't go with you on the other end of a lead trying to get him to go on the opposite side of the yard. Some dogs just don't like going toilet with some one standing over them, so he might need a bit more "freedom" to go, in which case a fence or something is the best bet.

Alternatively, can you put him out in the opposite yard (front yard, if he's been going in the back?) This is the same blocking theory, but less work for you