4-year-old Shih-Tzu messing in house?

[Erin3]

Heya,

I just started working full time for the first time since I got my shih-tzu (Adoped him 18 months ago.) He's neutered and has always been great about not messing in the house. Now that I'm gone 9 hours out of the day, he is constantly leaving messes in corners. There are other people around the house to let him out, and we have a german shepherd that he likes to play with... Do you think the messing is anything to do with my being gone or his being bored? Any ideas as to what on earth I can do? He's not acting sick or uncomfortable, and he behaves fine when I'm around.

[Shineillusion]

If there are other people around the house to let the dog out, I'd have a word with them. Like get off your lazy butt and put the dog out once in a while. And while you're at it, clean up that poo in the corner.

I know dogs can "hold it" for 9 hours if they have to. But if he's been used to going out at certain times of the day, his body isn't used to holding it. That makes it more difficult. Especially if there are people around who aren't seeing to his needs.