When I met with them, they were in the process of switching him from Kibbles & Bits onto the Kirkland brand food. I recommended they start throwing parties when he goes potty outside, and take him out on a very regimented schedule. Her husband is out of work right now and home, so I suggested taking him out on the hour, every hour, just to give him plenty of chances to do the right thing. I also made sure they knew to feed him twice a day at approximately the same time to get his poop on a schedule.
Well, she sent me this email today:
B is doing great with all of his training, except pottying. He will go out and 20 mins later poop in his cage! We have been trying hard this week with keeping him on a schedule and keeping him in his cage. If he potties outside (which we click and treat) we let him play for a while before going back to his cage. If he doesn't go, then we put him right back in his cage. We have also noticed that he won't poop, unless he is on a walk. I am wondering if we need to buy a smaller cage? Also when I click and treat him outside for pooping and peeing, he really doesn't seem impressed. He actually ignores the treat at times. (weird?) He has also began peeing in the house again. (ugh).
I am going to loan them a smaller, more appropriately-sized crate to see if that helps. I also suggested that they figure out what he really enjoys doing outside (chase, fetch, tug, etc) and do that instead of offering treats after he potties. I also suggested a belly band for the marking while we figure things out, as well as a vet visit just to rule out the rare chance of something medical vs. behavioral.
What else can I recommend for them? I feel at such a loss with housetraining issues!