We have just had a new patio laid and have now fenced off the lawn so that the dogs can't go on the grass. This is so that my daughter can play on the grass without having to worry about if there is any dog mess on there. Only problem is that one of my dogs will not do his mess on the patio. Obviously in an ideal world I would take him for a walk but if one of us is out and my little one is in bed, I need him to do it on the patio. The other dog has just taken to it straight away but other one is holding on and is really grumpy. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.Wee's are not a problem-he just won't do the other. Can't put him on the front as we have an open plan garden there and no fences.

WOW no walks and no you wont let them walk around their backyard either? I hope they are low energy dogs. Where is he going in the meantime?

Maybe go back to toilet training..take him out to the patio regulary and use a "toilet" command...if and when he finally lets go and does one..praise and reward him. He needs to be re-trained to go in a new place and may feel nervous about doing it as he may think he will get into trouble or he is just used to his spots in the garden.

let your dog do it in the yard, if you clean it up it won't matter

let him out in the front yard. It isnt natural for a dog 2 do his buisness on a patio.

How about a tray of grass on the patio until pup gets used to it?!?!

If you have dogs and kids, you have a responsibility to them both. Let the dogs clean themselves and pick up after the dogs. Or better still, teach your child to pick up!! So long as your dogs don't have worms, there's no problems. I was brought up with our dog, and my Mum sure didn't worry about it!!