Hello, i have just registered as i could really do with some good advice regarding my 2 Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I apologise in advance if i ramble on lol.

Firstly i have 2 male Staffys, Riley who is nearly 4 who i have had 2 years and got him from a rescue centre. He is an amazing dog, very loving, such a good personality and wouldnt hurt a fly. I dont know his background before i got him but i reckon he was left roaming the streets as he likes to explore and has a tendency to beg for food.

Then theirs Alfie, 15mths old who ive had since 6 weeks old, again he is a lovely dog with a good personality and although lets Riley know who's boss lol.

The problem i need help with is Alfie, over the last month or so he has decided the kitchen is the toilet through the night. This is more than likely my fault as i believe i will be confusing him. In the summer i got a nice new kennel for them both so they could be outside while me and my partner are at work. Although most days my mum lets them out for 5 during the day. Obviously he's used to doing his mess in the kennel and now thinks its ok in the kitchen.

The next problem is we have a baby on the way and although i believe they wouldnt hurt the baby, i dont think its a good idea him doing his mess in the house with a new born around.

I resorted last night to putting him in his cage to try and warn him off doing his mess but it didnt work, he pee'd and poo'd in his cage and was sat in other corner out of way. I really need help with this to turn it around in 2 months or we would have to rehome him which i dont want to do.

What i was thinking would be to forget about the kennel and keep them in the kitchen through the day, Alfie would be in his cage untill he gets better, and start toilet training again from the beggining until he learns not to do it inside. And was thinking instead of feeding at tea time would feeding in the morning be better so its out of his sytem before the night time. And would you advise taking their water up off the floor a few hours before lights out ?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated, Thanks grant

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the baby on the way

Unexplained or new toileting problems in a mature dog requires a vet visit first.

Crate training is required before just putting a dog in a cage and expecting them to be ok - toileting in that situation may be stress related at being confined all of a sudden.
The problem now is that your dog has started toileting in his confinement area and that makes toilet training very very difficult.

What size is the 'kennel' that they are confined to during the day? Do they toilet in there too?

Its a good idea to go back to basics on toilet training and crate training from the beginning.
Here are some resources on this:
Potty Pees & Qs | Pet Central's Pawsitive Dawgs Blog!
Crate for Calm | Pet Central's Pawsitive Dawgs Blog!
Handouts here: http://petcentral.yolasite.com/printables.php

The baby issue is one to start working on right now. There are tons and tons of resources here; get working on those dogs as it won't just happen: Kids & K9s – what parents, kids, dog owners and dogs need to know | Pet Central's Pawsitive Dawgs Blog!

Best of luck

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Welcome to the forum!
Not really my topic - but are the dogs both casterated? The only thing that springs to mind re the soiling (assuming this is something that has just started following a normally clean dog) is that one of the dogs is scenting! just an idea - but hopefully someone who does know what they are talking abut will be along soon
DT

One more thing I would NEVER remove a dogs water!

Hi, Thanks for your advise. They were in an 8x4 kennel. The biggest i could afford and fit in my garden. It was just an idea so they could have fresh air during the winter, i dont have a problem with them being in the house. Just guess i wasnt expecting this. Ill have a look through the information you suggested and take it from their.

Would you not alter feeding times?

Riley is castrated but Alfie isnt although were going to get him done soon

Then as per my previous post that COULD be the answer! NOT saying it is - but it could be!
Is he both messing and wetting - or just wetting? if he is just wetting then it certainly COULD be!
DT

Could you or your partner take them for a quick 10 min walk round the block before bedtime so that he gets a chance to relieve himself.