"They are also attracted back to the area on which they eliminated before, so if it smells like urine or feces, they are attracted to go back there (providing it's reasonably clean)."
You've also noticed that dogs never poop and pee in the same place or at the same time. This is apparently a very serious dog rule that must never be violated. This “site selection” is completely normal and I'm a big fan of letting them pick the place(s) within reason; it's what dogs do.
Dogs use the Earth's magnetic field when they're relieving themselves. Not only that, but canines choose to do so in a north-south axis, a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology says. The study suggests that dogs are sensitive to small variations in Earth's magnetic field.
Dogs are attracted to return to spots where they urinated/defecated previously. If you clean up just a little, the dog will be attracted to “refresh” the spot. If you clean thoroughly, there will be no attraction to go there again.
Some dogs urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their guardians. If a dog urinates or defecates in the presence of his guardian, his house soiling probably isn't caused by separation anxiety. A dog who has separation anxiety might bark or howl when left alone or when separated from his guardian.
Punishing your dog by rubbing their nose in urine is an ineffective and outdated method that can cause more harm than good. Dogs are much more likely to learn and respond to positive reinforcement, rather than punishment.
One of the easiest ways to train a dog to go only in one spot is to train it to go on command. Take your dog on a leash to the spot you want it to use, and say the cue word. Keep the dog in that spot until it goes, then offer a reward. Only reward the dog when it goes in that particular spot.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Dogs and cats do mark with feces but it is not as common. Your dog isn't spayed or neutered. Both intact males and females are more likely to urine mark than are spayed or neutered animals. Your pet is not comfortable with other animals in or outside your home.
Watch out for the signs
These include sniffing around, fidgeting, and beginning to circle before squatting. A whining or pacing dog may also be indicating that it needs to go to the toilet, as well as a dog that has been chewing on something for a while and suddenly moves to do something else.
Your dog is tamping down the grass and chasing away any bugs or other creatures to give it a nice clean place to do its business. The circles allow your dog to get a good, clear view of the surrounding area to make sure there are no threats or predators near by when they are in such a vulnerable position.
Most dogs seem to be quite pleased with themselves after having had a productive poop. For dogs who have been experiencing constipation issues, this sense of satisfied relief makes perfect sense to us.
So, why DO dogs take so long to decide on the perfect pooping spot? There are four main reasons: sniffing out other dogs' scents, anxiety, distractions, and, weirdly but truly, the earth's magnetic poles.
Just the opposite of eye contact, some dogs want a little more privacy when they go to the bathroom. They might duck behind a bush or hide behind a tree when they need to go because they feel safer when they're hidden. It's about reducing their sense of vulnerability.
While not going can be a sign of a health issue, this isn't always the case. Some dogs may purposely hold in their business to either prolong time outdoors or simply because of a change in their routine. Loud noises, other animals, or unfamiliar humans near their area of choice may temporarily throw them off.
Conclusion: Pawing means your dog wants your attention. If your dog puts their paw on you while you're spending time together, it's likely an expression of affection or the gestural equivalent of “pet me more!”
However, canines can figure out the gist of what we want and gather a lot of information from our body language, tone of voice, the rhythm of our voice and intonation of speech. What your dog hears when you talk to him is his favorite melody – your voice.
Cuddling/Nuzzling/Leaning
Others show affection by resting their head on your knee, and some lean against you. It's important not to push your pet away when he's expressing his love. That's the time to strengthen your bond and enjoy the special moments of affection.
A good rule thumb is that dogs should poop at least once a day. Some may poop up to five times, others two or three. Anything over five could be worth keeping an eye on.
Holding in Poop
If you don't see your dog poop for 24 hours, don't panic, but do keep an eye on him. If he goes over 48 hours without pooping, he may be constipated.
It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully house trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside.
Ecstatic Ear Rubs
When you rub your dog's ears, she's essentially getting high on her own hormones, says Dr. Allen Schoen, director of the Center for the Advancement of Veterinary Alternative Therapies. In addition, Schoen says massaging a dog's ears meets a basic need for affection and communication from pet owners.
Give him no attention as you pace quietly back and forth by the pee spot. When he squats or lifts his leg wait, for him to finish. As he's finishing happily say your cue word “GO POTTY!” When he is done, give a marker (a verbal “Yes!” or the click of a clicker), then lavish him with praise and something really yummy.