Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Adjust the crate
• Method 2 of 3: Changing your dog's schedule
• Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention
• Tips
• Warnings

If you have bench-trained your dog, but he continues to poop in his crate, this could be for several reasons. Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, have an underlying medical condition that prevents him from controlling his bowels, or simply not understanding that the crate is not the right place to defecate. There are steps you can take to stop your dog from pooping in his crate.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Adjust the crate

1. Make sure the crate is the correct size. If the crate is too big, it often happens that dogs poop in their crate. If the crate is large enough to sit comfortably in a corner, he may choose to put it in the crate instead of waiting for a walk.
   • Your dog's crate should be just big enough for him to stand upright, turn around in it, and lie with his legs extended. Anything larger in the crate will tempt him to use the crate as a toilet.
   • If you have a puppy, choose a crate with its adult size in mind. Benches can be expensive and you don't want to have to replace them all the time, but you can cordon off the excess space with cardboard, Styrofoam, or other puppy-safe materials.
2. Feed your dog in his crate. Chances are that your dog would rather not poop in the same room where it is being fed. Feeding him in the crate can help.
   • You don't have to confine your dog in the crate during meals, as the stress of being locked up can affect his appetite. Simply put the food in the crate and leave the door open.
   • Your dog may be wary at first when he enters the crate to eat because he can expect you to leave and try to lure him in. If you leave the food and continue with your normal activities, he will eventually start eating.
3. Adjust the bedding in the crate. Changing the type of blankets you put in the crate, or adding extra blankets, can potentially stop your dog from using the crate.
   • If you're not currently using bedding, a nice pillow or putting some blankets in a crate can make your dog less likely to use the crate as a toilet. Your dog will not want to poop in a place where it loves to crawl and sleep.
   • Conversely, if you are currently using a pillow and your dog is burying its feces underneath, remove the pillow. Your dog may be less likely to poop in his crate if he notices that he cannot cover it easily.
   • Sheets of paper and paper towels should not be left in a crate, especially if your dog is paper-trained.
4. Clean up any accidents thoroughly. Thoroughly clean the area every time your dog poops in his crate. Use an enzymatic cleaner from the pet store or supermarket. Removing the stench caused by pooping can make it less likely that your dog will choose the same place to poop again.

Method 2 of 3: Changing your dog's schedule

1. Benchtrain your dog before leaving him alone in the crate. If you have just started leaving your dog alone in the crate and he poops in it, the problem is likely that he is not used to the crate. A dog must gradually be introduced to its crate before it can be safely left alone in the crate.
   • Take a few days to get your dog used to the crate. Encourage him to enter the crate, but don't lock it. Make the crate a pleasant experience by giving your dog treats and compliments for going into the crate.
   • Once your dog gets used to the crate, you can start shutting it down for short periods. Start short, leaving him in the crate for only 10 minutes at a time, then gradually increase the duration.
   • Once your dog is able to stay in his crate for 30 minutes without being worried or scared, you can start letting him in for longer periods of time. Always be clear when you leave. Delaying a departure by saying goodbye to your dog for a long time can exacerbate his concern about being left alone.
   • You can gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog alone in the crate, working towards it to leave him in the crate at night and when you go to work.
2. Maintain a consistent walking schedule. If your dog relieves himself in his crate, the walking schedule may not be consistent enough. Make sure you take your dog for walks at regular intervals so he doesn't have to take refuge in his crate.
   • Simply walking your dog will not necessarily teach him to go outside. When potty training you should stay outside with him and praise him when he goes to the outlet. If you don't do this, you run the risk that he will only see the outdoors as a playground, and will not take the opportunity to relieve himself.
   • Depending on your dog's age, he will need more or less time outside. If he is younger than 12 weeks, he should be taken out every hour during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night.
   • As he gets older you can gradually increase the time between walks. By the time he is 6 to 7 months old, you should be able to take him out about every 4 hours during the day and every 8 hours at night. An adult dog should be out for a walk at least three times a day and preferably at least one longer walk during that time.
   • Consistency is the keyword. Try to walk your dog at the same time every day. Your dog's body will adjust to a regular schedule and that should result in fewer accidents.
3. Make a consistent daily feeding schedule. Feeding should also be done on a schedule. Limiting treats and snacks between meals can lead to fewer toilet accidents. Food stimulates the intestines about 20 minutes later. Do not crate your dog immediately after a meal, as this will not give him enough time. Instead, allow him to relieve himself outside about 20 to 30 minutes after eating.
   • The amount of food your dog needs will depend on his breed, size and any medical conditions he may have. You can talk to your doctor about how much food is suitable for your dog and then decide how best to distribute the feeding times throughout the day.
   • If you crate your dog at night, do not feed or water him three hours before he enters the crate. If you crate your dog during the day while you are at work, make sure to give him a longer walk in the morning so he has a chance to relieve himself after breakfast.
4. Use positive and negative reinforcement. Using positive and negative reinforcement can help teach your dog not to poop in his crate.
   • When taking your dog outside, always praise him when he goes to the bathroom. You can praise him verbally by saying something like "Good dog!" And also bring a bag of small treats to give a reward.
   • When you see your dog crouch to poop in his crate, clap your hands and say No. Then take him outside so he can relieve himself there.
   • Don't forget that dogs live in the present. If you wake up in the morning and find that he has pooped in his crate, punishment will not help him. He will not understand why he is being punished. You should also avoid punishing excessively aggressively or loudly, as this can lead to anxiety, which can potentially make the problem worse. Never rub your dog's nose in his stool or urine, as this will only upset and confuse him.

Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention

1. Make an appointment with your vet. You want to make sure there are no medical problems as a possible cause. Make an appointment with your vet and have her perform a routine physical exam on your dog.
   • If your dog has soft stools or diarrhea, he may have gastrointestinal problems that require medical attention. Your vet may order blood tests or X-rays to determine treatment.
   • Older dogs often have age-related bowel control problems. If you have an older dog, your vet may order tests to determine if he can still check his bowels. She may have ideas for treatment options if this is the case.
2. Familiarize yourself with the signs of separation anxiety. Dogs often defecate in their crates due to separation anxiety. Know the signs of separation anxiety and what to do if it affects your dog.
   • If the pooping is combined with howling, barking, and excessive walking back and forth, and your dog has already escaped or tried to escape from his crate, he may have separation anxiety. If you recently had a change in your schedule, living space, or roommate / family situation, your dog may develop an anxiety disorder in response.
   • Positive reinforcement, such as treats and rewards, during stressful situations can help combat your dog's anxiety. For example, you can leave toys or food for your dog when you leave the house. Many pet stores sell puzzle toys that require your dog to figure out how to open a device to get a treat or a toy as a reward. This can be a good distraction if your dog appears to be developing an anxiety disorder in your absence.
   • You can also ask your vet about treatment options. She can recommend medication or an exercise program that can help your dog cope.
3. Be careful about changing your dog's diet. Changes in a dog's diet can result in problems with bowel control. If you've recently changed foods or brands, your dog may have trouble controlling his bowels. Always switch between foods gradually, starting with small amounts of the new feed by mixing the old type and building up gradually.

Tips

• If your dog's problems seem anxiety related then it can help to get a professional dog trainer, although it can be pricey.

Warnings

• Check the crate for sharp corners that could injure the dog. Dogs with protruding eyes (e.g. Pekingese) have been known to injure their eyes from sticking out wire, so make sure there are no sharp points.
• Remove collars and harnesses from the dog when he enters the crate. They pose a choking hazard.