My Dog Keeps Pooping In His Crate

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There may be a few simple fixes to this, but this could also indicate something being wrong medically or emotionally with the dog.

The first thing to do is pay attention to your dogs poop. For example, if the stool is loose, then the dog may have a health problem and may not hold it in.

Consult with a vet to find an underlying problem condition causing your dog to go so frequently.

If their poop is normal, then your dog pooping in the crate may be the result of improper training, incorrect dog crate size, instilling bad habits, or several other possible causes.

Below are the ten reasons why dogs do this and how to stop a dog from pooping in a crate.

Decide if a crate is right for your dog

Not all dogs can tolerate crates, which is something you should consider when crate training is a topic of conversation. If you have a dog trainer, discuss it with them, as some dogs can get claustrophobic or otherwise anxious when in a crate. Some dogs dont need to be crated when left alone, as they dont have an affinity for chewing stuff they shouldnt or making messes, but always ensure you leave your dog in a safe situation when leaving the house.

Determining whether your dog is a good fit for crate training is something you can do on your own by observing them in a crate, or with a trainer if necessary. Crate training a puppy is far easier than trying to crate train an older dog, as you can help create positive associations with the crate and help teach a puppy bladder control. Older dogs may have negative connotations with the crate, or may fear solitude.

Check out how to stop crate training for more tips.

If your dogs crate is too big for them, theyll have a ton of extra space in there and can easily justify going to the bathroom in one corner. If they can avoid that corner, it will feel more like the crate is divvied up into a resting space and a bathroom space. Youll want to make sure the crate is the big enough to ensure that your dog is comfortable but also small enough that they dont consider one end of the crate to be a restroom. If the crate is too small, it could cause stress or anxiety, which may result in them pooping in the crate.

When shopping for a dog crate, make sure you have your dogs length measurements and weight on hand. This will help determine the right sized crate when matched up against manufacturers charts.

If your dog is suddenly having accidents in their crate or is continuing to even after youve made adjustments to their schedule and/or crate size, make sure you rule out any health issues with a vet visit. They could have a medical issue that may be causing them to poop or pee in the crate, and a vet can also help advise you on food options that may be gentler on their tummies.

In terms of mental health, its important to rule out separation anxiety as a cause for your dog pooping in the crate. You may need to see a behaviorist if you believe your dog is suffering from anxiety – make sure to read our story linked above on how to deal with separation anxiety in dogs.

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    • PetsRadar’s advice on how to stop your dog from pooping in the crate

    Well cover a few ways you can stop your dog from pooping (or peeing) in their crate, from picking the right size to sticking to a schedule to ruling out health issues. Dont fret, you can figure this out and you and your pup can live happy, healthy, and less smelly lives!

    Dog Food and Treats

    Please make sure the food and treats you are feeding to the dog agree with his stomach.

    Some dog foods and treats may upset a dogs stomach, cause diarrhea or otherwise mess with a dogs bathroom schedule.

    If youre leaving a peanut butter stuffed KONG toy in the crate, and your dog wont stop pooping in the crate, then peanut butter could be the cause.

    FAQ

    How do I get my dog to stop pooping in his crate?

    1. Consider a health check. …
    2. Listen to your puppy. …
    3. Be sure the pup has been properly introduced to the crate. …
    4. Keep track of time. …
    5. Set a schedule. …
    6. Limit space in the crate. …
    7. Remove the bedding. …
    8. If you do find an accident in the crate, don’t punish the puppy because he won’t understand what he did wrong.

    Why does my dog poop in his crate?

    Reasons why your dog may be defecating in his crate relate to behavioral issues, physical limitations, or medical reasons that can cause your dog to be unable to hold his bowels until he is let out of his crate. Often, conditions that cause diarrhea or a loss of bowel control can result in crate soiling.

    Why is my dog pooping in his cage at night?

    If the dog begins to poop/pee inside:
    1. Immediately interrupt him by clapping and saying “Ah ah!”
    2. Get the dog outside as soon as possible (carry him whenever possible and put the leash on the dog as you head to the door).