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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
I bet you clicked on this blog post with a mix of intrigue and disbelief. I mean, seriously? Your dog poops on the wall?
Well, life has a funny way of surprising us, and in my case, it involved my beloved pooch, Bella, leaving an unexpected gift on my freshly painted living room wall. Talk about an “uh-oh” moment!
Unfortunately, it can happen to the best of us, even when we think we’ve got everything under control.
In this blog post, I’m gonna tell you why it happened and how you can prevent it in the future.
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- Why Do Dogs Poop Against a Wall? 6 Smelly Reasons
- How Can You Stop Your Dog From Pooping on the Wall?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can neutering/spaying help reduce wall pooping in dogs?
- Why would a housebroken dog start pooping in the house?
- Should you punish your dog for pooping in the house?
- Will vinegar stop dogs pooping in the same spot?
- Why does my dog back up to a bush to poop?
- Why does my dog poop in the house at night in the same spot?
- In Conclusion: Dog Poops on The Wall
Why Do Dogs Poop Against a Wall? 6 Smelly Reasons

Dogs are dogs! They sometimes do the weirdest things!
As an owner of two delightful dogs, Bella (a fabulous Frenchie) and Molly (a charming Yorkie), I’ve come to realize that dogs have their own fascinating ways of communicating.
While a dog pooping on the wall may seem peculiar to us, it turns out there are some intriguing reasons behind this behavior.
Let’s find out why.
1. Territorial marking
Imagine you have your favorite book or cool gadget. You want others to know it’s yours, right?
Well, dogs have a strong instinct to mark their territory. When they poop against a wall, they say, “Hey, this is mine! Back off, doggie pals!”
They leave a super-smelly scent to claim their ownership and show who’s boss.
2. Scent communication
Dogs love talking with their noses.
When they poop against a wall, they create a concentrated scent message. It’s their act of sending a text to their fellow canines, saying, “Hey, I’m here! Check out my awesome scent!”
It tells other paws about their presence, status, and maybe even their love life.
3. Instinctual behavior
Picture this: Long, long ago, before we pampered dogs as pets, their ancestors, the wolves, ruled the wild lands.
Wolves pooped along their turf to say, “Hey, this is our place! No trespassing!”
Domestic dogs have inherited this behavior. So when they poop against a wall, it says, “This is my little kingdom, like my ancestors.”
4. Heightened visibility
Your dog wants to notice their poop. Choosing a wall or vertical surface is similar to putting up a billboard saying, “Look at me!”
Other animals, even dogs passing by, can easily spot their message. It’s a visual reminder of their presence and a way to shout, “Hey, this is my place, you see?”
5. Marking boundaries
Walls and elevated surfaces act as borders for dogs. When they poop against them, it’s like putting up a “Do Not Cross” sign.
They’re marking their territory’s edges and reinforcing their boundaries. It tells other critters, “Stay out. This is my space!”
6. Establishing dominance
In the paw world, it’s all about who’s in charge. By pooping against a wall, dogs can assert dominance and show off their high status.
Leaving their scent means they are more likely to say, “I’m the boss around here!” Other dogs can sniff their authority and understand who rules the area.
Doggy says, consider reading this too: How to stop dog from pooping at night?
How Can You Stop Your Dog From Pooping on the Wall?
If your dog is giving you wall poop troubles, follow these powerful steps:
Properly train your dog for potty habits
I can tell you that it’s super important to give your dog a consistent routine.
Regularly take them to their special potty spot, especially after meals and naps.
When they do their business there, give them applause, tasty treats, or their favorite toy.
Imagine you’re becoming a potty superhero, like Dogtron or Poopinator!
Provide a designated potty area
It’s time to design a designated potty area for your fur pal.
Follow these paw-some steps:
- Choose a paw-fect location
Find an area in your yard or indoors that is easily accessible for your dog. It should be a spot where they feel comfortable doing their business.
Think of it as their secret bathroom hideout!
- Prepare the potty zone
Get creative and make it appealing for your pup. Use gravel, grass, or training pads to create a comfortable surface.
- Mark the territory
Make the potty area stand out. Use visual cues like brightly colored flags or signs.
It’s like putting up big arrows pointing to the bathroom door. This way, your dog can easily spot their designated potty spot.
- Clear the way
Keep the potty area clean and free from obstacles.
Remove toys, plants, or other items that could distract your pup or make potty time challenging. Create a clear path to the bathroom, ensuring a smooth journey for your furry friend.
Fun Fact: Did you know dogs have a built-in GPS for finding their potty spot? They remember specific scents and locations, making a designated area even more appealing to them.
Keep the area clean and free from feces
Keep the wall spick and span!
Clean the wall or surface where your dog has been pooping so no smell lingers.
Dogs love a fresh space like you enjoy a sparkling space. They might think it’s not okay to go there if it smells clean and fresh.
Cleanliness means no more wall-pooping!
Pro Tip: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. They can even detect the scent of their previous eliminations, even after cleaning up. So, it’s important to thoroughly clean and deodorize your wall to prevent repeat performances. I highly recommend using an enzyme cleaner to do the job.
Monitor your dog during potty breaks
When you take your dog for potty breaks, be their loyal sidekick!
Here’s how to monitor your dog during potty breaks:
- Safety first
Carefully watch your dog and swiftly react if they wander off or encounter any potential dangers.
- Prevent accidents
You can anticipate when your dog needs to go and guide them to the proper potty spot. It prevents messy mishaps inside the house or in those not-so-ideal places.
- Keep a keen eye on them
If they aim for the wall, use your redirection powers. Guide them back to the designated potty area with gentle commands.
- Redirect unwanted behavior
Dogs are like curious detectives on their potty adventures. But with your watchful gaze, you can gently steer their attention back to the task at hand if they get distracted by the surroundings instead of doing their business.
- Establish routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Regularly monitoring your dog’s potty breaks helps them understand the when and where of proper elimination.
- Detect health issues
As a paw owner, you have the extraordinary ability to detect any changes in your dog’s bathroom habits.
Sudden deviations like frequent urination or straining might signal underlying health concerns that deserve the attention of your trusted vet.
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Use positive reinforcement for desired behavior
Be their proud cheerleader whenever your dog poops in the right place or avoids the wall.
Shower them with praise, treats, or whatever they love most.
Positive reinforcement is one way to unlock their potty potential.
They’ll want to do it right every time if they receive good feedback.
Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist
If wall pooping problems persist, don’t fret!
Seek the help of a paw trainer or behaviorist. They’re your doggy experts with extra knowledge.
They’ll assess the situation and help you conquer this challenge once and for all!
Fun Fact: Paris Hilton, the famous socialite, built a luxurious doggie mansion for her pets. The two-story mansion featured miniature furniture, a crystal chandelier, and even a balcony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can neutering/spaying help reduce wall pooping in dogs?
Yes, neutering or spaying can sometimes help curb wall pooping. It can reduce their urge to mark territory and lessen the chances of wall adventures.
Why would a housebroken dog start pooping in the house?
If your housebroken dog starts pooping indoors, something’s up. It could be stress, a change in routine, or even a medical issue.
Should you punish your dog for pooping in the house?
Punishing your dog for pooping in the house won’t solve the problem. It’s like fighting fire with fire. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and training. Show them where it’s right to go, cheer for their victories, and be patient.
Will vinegar stop dogs pooping in the same spot?
Vinegar might work wonders for cleaning, but it only temporarily stops your dog from pooping in the same spot. Training and positive reinforcement are the real solutions. Redirect your pup to the appropriate potty area and celebrate every achievement.
Why does my dog back up to a bush to poop?
Dogs do this to create a strong scent message. It’s like them signing their name with an extra flourish. By leaving their mark on the bush, they say “I was here, and everyone should know!” It’s their special way of communication in the doggy world.
Why does my dog poop in the house at night in the same spot?
When your dog picks a particular spot to poop in the house at night, there’s something going on. Possible reasons could be routine, anxiety, lack of outdoor access, or medical issues.
In Conclusion: Dog Poops on The Wall
In all likelihood, this behavior is not something that will persist, especially if you follow the tips I shared earlier.
If you have not invested the time and effort to potty train your dog, now is a pretty good time!
Check out other dog behavior articles here too:
- Dog keeps trying to poop after pooping
- Puppy poops 2 hours after eating
- Dog straining to poop after spaying