You just want to relax and get some work done, but it’s happened again: your dog pooped in the shed! Why is your dog pooping in your shed? What will prevent them from doing this to your work shed? Does vinegar stop dogs from pooping in the shed? Does dog poop damage wood floors?

Today, we’re going to answer all of the questions you have about this obnoxious issue. And of course, we’ll answer the one that’s most on your mind: how to stop your dog from pooping in your shed. Soon, you’ll be able to get some work done without wondering what surprises you might find! Keep reading below for our article “How to Stop Dog Pooping in Shed!”

Why Is My Dog Pooping in My Shed?

Your dog is pooping in your shed because they’re going through anxiety, and your shed feels like a safe, secure place because it’s dark and closed-in like a den. It also has the added bonus of smelling like you, which also comforts them. Though you probably only smell dust and tools, your dog has a very acute sense of smell and can definitely detect your scent in there.

It’s also possible that your dog has gotten into the habit of going in there. You may have unintentionally rewarded them with attention right after they went in there previously, and that made a positive connection with pooping in your shed in your dog’s mind.

If your dog pooped in your work shed all of a sudden, then you should consider the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This can show itself either through diarrhea or constipation. Watch your dog’s eating, and ensure that they’re getting a highly digestible diet with high soluble fiber content.

Regardless, you need to address your dog’s issue right away or you will give them the impression that it’s acceptable. You’ll then find your dog is pooping in the barn, pooping on your verandah, and maybe even pooping inside the garage.

To stop your dog from pooping in the shed and other unacceptable places, skip to the last section now where we’ll give you the exact steps to follow.

Does Vinegar Stop Dogs From Pooping in the Shed?

Vinegar does stop dogs from pooping in the shed in most cases. Make a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle, then apply it where your dog likes to go and at the entrance to your shed if you don’t want them in there at all.

The smell will go away once the vinegar has dried in about an hour, but will still be detectable by your dog, who has a much stronger sense of smell than you do. This mixture is safe to use on both wood and composites.

Does Dog Poop Damage Wood Floors?

Dog poop does not damage wood floors. Remove their waste as soon as it’s noticed, then gently wipe down the area with a damp cloth.

You’ll still want to begin working on correcting this issue immediately, though. Admonishing your dog long after they’ve gone will not be effective. Even doing so right away will not get to the root of their issue.

To learn how to stop your dog from pooping in the shed, continue to the next section below.

How to Stop Your Dog From Pooping in Your Shed

To stop your dog from pooping in your shed, make a 50/50 mix of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture where your dog likes to poop in the shed, and also at the entrance if you’d like to keep them out of there altogether. The smell will go away once it’s dried in about an hour, but your dog will still sense it and be repelled.

It will also help to learn your dog’s schedule and to keep an eye on them around this time. Put them on their leash, then lead them to where you’d like them to go, such as on the grass. Once they do, immediately give them pets, praise, and a small treat. This will help your dog to make positive associations with going in the correct spots.

Ensure that anyone else who spends time with your dog is also following these steps. With time and consistency, your dog should learn not to poop in your work shed and to only go where you’d like them to be doing their business.

But you’ll still need to get to the root of their issue (their anxiety) which was causing all of this in the first place. Failure to do so will just lead to their problems with stress and worry growing and escalating, and showing themselves in other ways.

And to do that, we need to first talk about what makes dogs tick. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

When your dog is pooping in the shed because they’re feeling anxious or disobeying you in other ways, they are clearly telling you that they don’t fully respect you in this role.

But once you’ve proven to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable and worthy one who they must respect, you’ll be able to stop all of these issues for good.

You’ll be better off because you’ll be able to work in your shed without worrying about what you might step in. And your dog will be better off too because you’ll have freed them all of the stress and anxiety that they’re currently lugging around on their little shoulders 24/7.

Win-win, right?

“Of course, but how do I do any of this?”

You should watch an excellent free video series on this very subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains absolutely everything in ways that are very simple to understand and teach to your dog, and he gets right to the point so that you’ll start seeing results with your dog before you know it.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t stress or get worried, because no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at your four-legged assistant. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving methods at all times. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

I’m sure you’re ready to get some work done in your shed without worrying about what you might step in, so I’ll let you get started now. Best of luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “How to Stop Dog Pooping in Shed.”