Housetraining problem

[Kathleen Carson]

My 7mo goldendoodle has been mostly housetrained for a couple of months with the exception of when another dog is in her space and she feels the need to drink competitively and then has an accident because she's downed 1qt of water. 

She was crate trained and is confined to the 1st floor most of the day. As long as she's cinfined to the 1st floor, she can reliable go all day. We also have a potty bell that she is very good about using.

The problem: if she gets up the stairs in the morning, she will pee and often poop in the carpeted hallway. This is not a need issue. Often it is just a small puddle or a poop that was obviously just because (very little and loose) because she's *just* been walked. 

I've tried cleaning it with Nature's Miracle, I've shampooed the carpet with pet accident-specific shampoo, I've tried feeding her on it. But if she darts up the stairs in the morning, I'm going to find a puddle and often a pile.

Suggestions?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

It is quite possible from your short description that she is trying to claim the upstairs as belonging to her, since clearly she knows that it is yours.  She is just telling the world that she owns you and the upstairs.

I would put her back on a leash or a rope and tied to you or near you so that you can always see her.  Keep her on the leash and teach her about the upstairs.  Make each space hers and yours.  Take her potty frequently just as if she were learning to go potty in the right place all over.  Now would be a good time to teach "go pee' on command, with praise for performance of course. It is going to take awhile but just stay with it like you did in the downstairs.

I think her accidents when another dog is in the house are probably somewhat purposeful as she is clearly territorial.  Take her and the other dog out often to the pee place, when she has a visitor.  Lots of praise for success and do not leave her and the other dog alone at all.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our latest rescue will do this also - and we have a dog door open 24/7.  He doesn't do it often so I can't quite figure out the reason behind this behavior.