How do you train your dog to poop in one area of your yard?

I would place a photo of my ex mother-in-law in the desired spot, say the word, “Here!” and the dog did the rest.

He ruined the photo, BTW.

September 1, 2008, 5:31 PM EDT

Feed the dog in the yard. They normally poo away from where they feed.

Time and patience.
You have to consistantly catch the dog as he begins to do the deed and lead him to the area where you want him to poop. If you are late and he has already pooped, rub his nose in it a bit and move the poop to the area you want him to use. Make sure he understands your no nonsense tone of voice. You have to be consistant!! When dog does poop in the right area, by chance or by design, give plenty of praise.
Some breeds of dogs will learn faster than others.

You should know that it is against nature to train the dog to do that. Dogs (and other animals) are natural environmentalists. They don’t poop in one area, because the ground can’t absorb the contaminants. They decide where to poop by smell (if they smell too much of their poop, they will not go in an area). If you observe them over a long period of time, you will see that they migrate around the yard sharing the wealth.

If you are really concerned about your yard, I would walk the dog elsewhere and pick after him or her. Also, if you clean the yard regularly (daily) that will help the dog go back sooner to a specified area.

Consider whether this is the best solution when you are fighting all your dog’s instincts.

Interesting point of view. I guess it is a good thing we don’t give a hoot about a chid’s natural instincts when we potty train them, otherwise we would have a messy world, eh?!

@basp Who doesn’t care about the natural instincts of children? I do.

Also, we have clear ways to communicate with children, and we have developed systems to remove their waste.

Aren’t there folks who claim that they have successfully trained their cats to use the toilet in residential bathrooms?

I’ve heard there are contraptions specifically manufactured, just for that purpose.

September 1, 2008, 6:58 PM EDT

If you want the dog to defecate in one specific area, you must somehow delineate that space – using a unique texture works. For example, if your yard is grass, create a mulch evacuation area. When it’s time for a bathroom break, take the dog out on a leash every time and take him to that area to pee and poop. Praise effusively when he goes there. Repeat as long as necessary (it may take a few weeks). Clean the area regularly – if it’s full of poop bombs, he’s not going to want to go anywhere near it. You must be absolutely consistent or the training will not work.

put a fence around that area, put the dog in! Don’t let him out until he promises to only crap there.