I have a pointer-beagle mix that poops in his food bowl at night.He is friendly and lovable.I have 3 other dogs.Any ideas why a dog would this?Is he angry,or maybe dumb?he is a good dog either way,just a little strange.

[Piti Longstalking]

I have an idea but, it's a guess among all others, and of no value. Don't worry about why the dog is doing what he's doing, and certainly don't label the dog as mad or dumb if you have no way of thinking dog. Instead, see the problem for what it is...a housetraining issue, and a priority access to the food bowl issue. If you don't want him to poo in his food dish, elevate the food dish so he can't get to it. If you don't want him pooing near where he eats, crate train the dog and manage his potty behavior until he's demonstrated he can hold it for an appropriate location.

Originally Posted by Piti Longstalking

I have an idea but, it's a guess among all others, and of no value. Don't worry about why the dog is doing what he's doing, and certainly don't label the dog as mad or dumb if you have no way of thinking dog. Instead, see the problem for what it is...a housetraining issue, and a priority access to the food bowl issue. If you don't want him to poo in his food dish, elevate the food dish so he can't get to it. If you don't want him pooing near where he eats, crate train the dog and manage his potty behavior until he's demonstrated he can hold it for an appropriate location.

thats what i was thinking

double post, sorry

Hey, maybe he is one of those super genius dogs that thinks his food bowl resembles the toilet that his people use, and he wants to use a people potty too! Cats can be trained to use a toilet, and even flush afterward.... obviously, a dog can't really climb up there like cats can, but maybe a toddler potty would work. (Wouldn't that be something to brag about? "My dog has his own chamber pot, in the house-- easy clean-up!") But on the other hand, maybe you just have a wierd dog...

I really have no idea why he would choose his food bowl to relieve himself in, but I would suggest picking the bowl up as soon as he is finished eating and take him outside to relieve himself when he's done eating. Maybe with time and not having the bowl accessable at night his behaviour will change.