I haven't been spending as much time with Mario lately and I KNOW it's my fault that he's acting up.    I've been gone much more than usual and just have been distracted with life.  I've had a lot going on and poor Mario has gotten the short end of the stick.  I haven't been walking him consistently or spending play time with him like I normally do.  I feel very bad about it and so does Mario. 

Mario has been pooping in the house EVERYDAY!   He just started doing this recently and it really concerns me that he's doing this. 

So, I am getting back into our walking routine and training.  Also, I think I will crate him when I leave the house.  I've been allowing him free reign but he's not trustworthy right now.

So, is this normal for dogs to regress or is this revenge for the lack of attention he's been experiencing?  I know that dogs think differently than humans so I'm just trying to get a better understanding.

I feel terrible about all of life's distractions lately.  Mario deserves better than that I feel so terrible.  His behavior has really upset me... the pooping inside, destructive behavior, barking constantly, being obnoxious when meals are served, etc...  I have let things slide... is there any hope of establishing myself as alpha again?? 

He's not a year old yet, right?  I believe he's going through what's the equivalent of "the terrible TWOS"----that point where he's going to test his limits, AND YOURS. Your routine has changed, so he switched his around a little, too.  Not unusual, Shannon, just annoying. 

Paitience is a virtue, you know.  You'll regain control.

I got your PM, Nora.  Thank you very much.

Mario is doing better... but we still have some work to do.