DEAR JOAN: My 10-pound, 8-month-old puppy (part Havanese/part poodle) is very bright, very sweet and a challenge. I purchased him from a breeder when he was 6 months old.

I take him out regularly to go potty, and he also seems comfortable going through the doggie door. However, he seems to prefer to poop in my home, and he periodically pees on the bed of my other dog, a 9-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback, who is also very smart and friendly.

My two dogs seem to get along pretty well, and my puppy also plays with my daughter’s two small dogs, more his age and size.

I hope I am not too late in helping him learn to always poop and pee outside. He was neutered a few weeks ago.

— Sidney Mygatt, Los Gatos

DEAR SIDNEY: The first step is make sure there isn’t a medical reason for this behavior. Ask your vet to check your puppy for intestinal parasites and food allergies. If he’s perfectly healthy, then we look for other reasons.

He might not be comfortable going outside. Dogs feel vulnerable while relieving themselves. Something outdoors might make him wary. Traffic noises, a dog barking next door, loud construction sounds – these might have startled him in the past and made him nervous. Stay with him when he poops and assure him you’re there to protect him.

Dogs also can get distracted while they’re in the great open spaces of the backyard. They’ve got a lot of things to sniff and explore. Puppies especially tend to get sidetracked. Going potty indoors might also have become a habit for him, and he doesn’t realize he’s doing anything wrong.

The good news is all these behaviors can be trained away. Set a routine for your dog, taking him outside at specific times — such as in the morning and after meals. Stay outside with your dog and encourage him to do his business. Some people give commands such as “pee” or “poop.” Eventually the dog will put words to action. Whenever he does either, praise him.

If he doesn’t potty after a reasonable time, bring him inside and take him out again later. Keep an eye on him and if starts to squat, take him outside. Don’t speak harshly or scold him, but do praise him when he does the right thing.

As he’s a smart dog, he’ll pick it up quickly. Well, you’ll still have to pick it up, if you get my drift, but he’ll learn where it’s appropriate to poop.

DEAR JOAN: I’ve noticed hundreds of pigeons will suddenly descend onto my hillside property and forage on the grounds for less than a minute, then just as quickly fly up and away only to return a few minutes later and do the same thing.

This behavior has been more noticeable in the past few weeks. What is going on ?

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— Deep Puar, Los Gatos

DEAR DEEP: The birds have found a place to forage, but apparently something in the area keeps frightening them away.

It doesn’t have to be a significant or overt threat. Birds are normally skittish (who can blame them with all the predators around), and when they are in a flock, they act as one. If one bird sees or hears something that scares it, the other birds will immediately react and fly away, too.

Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].