accidents only on shag bedroom carpet

[mtoy]

Link is really good about going potty outside. For the past 2 weeks the only time he's gone inside is when he gets into our master bedroom, and that's when we forget to close the door. I'm trying to figure out if he does his business in there because the carpet is shag-like (grass-like texture) or because we don't allow the dogs in there so he doesn't see it as living space to be "kept clean". Just now he went in there, pooped and peed (this is only the 2nd time he's pooped in the house since we got him). Of course it's also my fault for not letting him outside before he went in the house (and because I left the door open). The carpet was brand new last year, and Millie has never peed on it so it's not a scent thing.

Just because of allergies I like to keep the dogs out of the bedroom, but I'm thinking that maybe he needs to spend more time in there (NOT alone) to see that it's part of the living area - does that make sense? Any other ideas?

[LaRositaMonita]

Not knowing much from my own puppy experience, but having done some reading, I think you might have hit the nail on the head...if you haven't let him into the bedroom at all yet he isn't thinking of it as part of his "home." Maybe now is a good time to start carefully introducing him to it right after taking him out, so that he can start getting familiar with it while also knowing that it's not a place where he can have free reign?

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Dale rarely has accidents in the house but if he does, it is on the carpet. I only have carpet in my bedroom and a just bought a large area rug for in front of my sofa. Those are the two spots he uses. He will go days without an accident but if it is raining outside then he will go there. I also keep the bedroom door closed but once in awhile I forget. I blame it on him having blankets in his birthing area before we got him. Not sure though. He sleeps in our bedroom so he knows we live there.

[CorgiMum]

You could go into the bedroom with him and play a game, at least once a day for a while. Also maybe give some treats or even a meal there.

Is he on a regualr poty schedule? IMO that is very important, lets you both know when it is time to go ouside.

[mtoy]

You could go into the bedroom with him and play a game, at least once a day for a while. Also maybe give some treats or even a meal there.

Is he on a regualr poty schedule? IMO that is very important, lets you both know when it is time to go ouside.

Yes, he's on a potty schedule, but this time I forgot to ask my son if Link pooped when he had him out before he left for school. Of course he hadn't so my carpet was a nice substitute for the grass.

And why, oh why, does a dog always have to choose a carpet or rug over tile or wood or linoleum?????

[CorgiMum]

my carpet was a nice substitute for the grass.

And why, oh why, does a dog always have to choose a carpet or rug over tile or wood or linoleum?????

Look at your first sentance.
And you are kind enough to provide shag carpet as well.:EEK:

When you think of it, it's great that the schedule is so firm, housetrained pupper accidents I think are most often our mistakes.
As for peeing on a hard floor, well, they would get their toesies wet if they didn't use a carpet.:WINK: