Problem with my dog

[dmlsupra]

I have a problem with my dog, Choupette (female golden labrador). she is 4 years old.

few months ago, I renovate my basement. Before, I had a door to access it, but I took it off, and since then, my dog goes in the basement to do her 'things' instead of outside. She doesn't do it on a regular basis, but it happens too many time. I tought at first that she couldn't hold it or she didn't felt ok...

She does spend lots of time outside, so I don't think that's the problem. One time, she spend a good 20 minute outside, then came in and went directly in the basement.

I was wondering if anybody had an idea what I shoud do. She was always a clean dogs before this, and the only way I stop this is that I install a barrier to block her the acess.

Any help will be apreciated.

[Gail P]

Originally Posted by dmlsupra

I have a problem with my dog, Choupette (female golden labrador). she is 4 years old.

few months ago, I renovate my basement. Before, I had a door to access it, but I took it off, and since then, my dog goes in the basement to do her 'things' instead of outside. She doesn't do it on a regular basis, but it happens too many time. I tought at first that she couldn't hold it or she didn't felt ok...

She does spend lots of time outside, so I don't think that's the problem. One time, she spend a good 20 minute outside, then came in and went directly in the basement.

I was wondering if anybody had an idea what I shoud do. She was always a clean dogs before this, and the only way I stop this is that I install a barrier to block her the acess.

Any help will be apreciated.

I've had dogs do that before as well. Even though they were housetrained they would occasionally sneak downstairs to go. The people who lived here before us used to have dogs that I think may have used the basement, which probably left a scent making our dogs want to do the same. I just keep the door shut and it solves the problem. If your door is off you could use a baby gate instead, just make sure for a stairway to get the kind that you screw to the wall, not one that you just open up and the tension keeps it there. You wouldn't want her or anyone else to accidentally bump or lean on what appears to be a solid object, only to have it release and take a tumble down the stairs. I used to keep a baby gate at my stairway to allow my cats to access the basement for the litter box but keep the dogs upstairs.

[bendyfoot]

Keep the barrier up. Our oldest dog will use the basement as a toilet, even though she's perfectly housetrained, if the door is left open. I don't know why she does it either, but there's absolutely no accidents in the house ever (unless she's got a sick tummy) as long as the basement door is closed.