Bonnie--I had to chuckle when you wrote I should train the dog to do his business in the same area of the yard. Of course, you know there is a story to that.
Some years ago, my brother-in-law, who was in the Navy, was stationed in Norfolk, VA. One day, while we were visiting him, we were driving out of his neighborhood, when we saw this Great Dane come out of his (the dog's) house w/ a saucer in his mouth. We watched as this dog dropped the plate, sniffed around his yard, found a spot, went and p/u the plate and sat it down. He then turned around and did his business. When he was finished, he p/u the plate and pranced back to his door where he was let in, filled plate and all. We were totally stymied and guffawing in the car.
Now, I have trained my dogs all my life but I never thought to train them to do that! I thought it was a great idea. I don't know if I could do it but I can certainly try! Take Care. LK