We have a 7 year old who, other than when he was a sick puppy, has never gone bathroom in the house. Just recently (3 times) he went #2 in one of the guest bedrooms. The 1st time we found it there were two surprises and we did know exactly when it happened. The latest was when he was home alone for about 2 hours. We have a toddler in the house who just started walking about 6 weeks ago and he seems a little jealous of her. My gut is telling me he's being spiteful when we leave with her and don't take him. The only other thing Is that we do live in the NE and the ground is snow covered. I did make him some clear spots, but they are not in his usual areas...
Any input would be helpful.
Thanks

While I recognize the feeling, dogs don't do things out of spite.  But they do get used to a routine and when the routine changes they don't always adapt as quickly as we'd like them to.

I'd ask you to think about a couple of things and see if they fit:

• You have a toddler who's now getting around a bit better then she was.  You've hopefully childproofed the house and that may make it more difficult for the pup to tell you what he needs. (For example, when I put up the gate to close off the back part of my house, Sasha couldn't go to the door to let me know she wanted out.  She now goes to the front door and then when I get up she heads toward the gate.)
  
• As you mention, the weather isn't really conducive for most of us to be getting out for the long walks our pups want and need. He doesn't need a clear spot, he really doesn't care - what he needs is to go out on the schedule you had when the weather was good.

Dogs adapt pretty well to changing circumstances, but sometimes we have to look at it from their point of view and see what has changed around them that's caused the change in behaviour.
((And they're all "pups" to me ... ))

Hi,
Thank you for the reply. We took him to the vet and it turns out his Intestines were a little inflamed. Blood work and x-rays came back fine so it looks like he must have ate something that gave him an infection. He got a couple of shots and some oral medications and he is on the road to recovery.
Your 1st comment intrigued me so I did some research and once you break down what it actually takes to do something out of spite it’s easy to understand your right. Dogs just aren’t capable of that thought process. Shame on me…..

Sorry to hear about a medical issue, glad to hear he is on the road to recovery!

I would agree with Al. The first thought I had from reading the subject, before reading any of the post(s) my original intention was to ask if there was any changes in routine. A mobile child is most certainly going to cause some strange behaviors that you wouldn't normally see out of a dog. He is going to act almost similar to if you had an older child. I wouldn't say it goes as far as jealousy however. Huskies are generally great with kids though, so I am sure that if you keep everything positive when it comes to him and the kiddo, he will be great.

I would not say 7 years old is an age that you should be worrying about this, but as a dog ages, sometimes you have to treat them as a puppy as far as relieving themselves go... you may have to start from ground one, and take out every 1-2 hours for a little bit, just so you can increase or decrease time in between to figure out how long your dog can hold it comfortably without getting 'ants in his pants'.


I wouldn't worry about the ground being snow covered... in fact, he probably prefers the winter weather compared to the summer... I would say just dedicate some time for you to play with him outside in the snow as much as possible. Even if you personally aren't so keen with it. I know my husky gets really extra perky and begs to go outside more than she needs, just because there is snow out there... (drama queen, lol )

Take care, and I hope everything works out. ..... More pictures? He is so cute!

Hi Jay, I'm probably one of the worlds worst for anthropomorphizing when it comes to examples. There are a whole range of feelings and emotions that we share ( fear, hunger, love? ) but as you found out, those which require considerable cerebral activity aren't among them.
I'm constantly in fear of my sibe catching something where she's eating "stuff" as we wander around the desert. I swear she's out back now eating dirt! I haven't figured out yet what there is there, but every once in a while she scratches the surface of the ground and finds a delicious something there!

Glad the "old man" is feeling better ....

Hi,
Yes he is doing much better already. The good news is his Blood Work and x-rays along with his weight are that of a 2 year old according to the Vet.

From what I read anthropomorphizing (thank you I couldn't remember the term) is kind of hard wired into our brains...

Sorry to the other poster, I tried to add another pic but something crashed...
Thanks everyone for your input!!