So, we have an 11-month-old Border Collie. In the evening he stays downstairs where it's quiet; normally, he does his business in our garden. No matter how long the walk is, he waits until he's back home to have a poo in the garden, even after a really good walk. On top of that, every now and then during the night, he also goes in the cellar!! What can we do?
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Personally, I’d focus more on the destruction in the house than the poos in the garden (whether he goes while out on a walk or in the garden, you just scoop it up and that’s that), as it’s more concerning and might even explain why he prefers going in the garden or the cellar (somewhere he feels safer, I imagine).
You mentioned walks, but are you giving him any activities that get his brain working? It’s essential for this breed; they need to use their heads and not just their legs.
It can be simple things to set up, like scattering his dry food in the garden so he has to use his nose (and his brain) rather than just giving it to him in a bowl. This kind of activity is mentally tiring and can help calm anxious dogs (or even those that aren’t, for that matter).
Try putting his dry food in dispenser toys like a Wobbler, for example.
If he eats wet food, use a Lickimat, or give him something to chew on... these kinds of activities get their brains going and keep them busy for ages.
On top of that, you could try mantrailing, agility, etc.
There’s no need to do this every day, but regular mental stimulation is good for this type of dog. Will it fix all the issues? I’ve no idea, but it won’t do any harm—quite the opposite, in fact.
At 11 months old, and with a garden nearby, I suspect his walks might be a bit irregular. Correct me if I'm wrong, but especially with a breed like a Border Collie, they need plenty of time outside to take everything in.
My own dog wasn't fully house trained until he was 14 months old.
The cellar? That seems a bit odd to me... how long is he in there for? What time is his last toilet break? Maybe he’s stressed? Depending on your answers, that might give us a few clues.
As for him doing his business in the garden, I’m tempted to say that if he’s going outside, that’s a win in itself! ^^ You just pick it up and it’s sorted.
