Puppy Is From a Puppy Mill/Pet Store or Bad Breeder
Remember how it was explained earlier in a few paragraphs above how dedicated breeders take the time to create a specific area for elimination and how puppies are introduced to their crates?
Well, if you got your puppy from a pet store or a not-so-knowledgeable breeder, chances are, your puppy missed out on important life lessons.
Puppies raised in puppy mills and then sold to pet stores are often kept in cages and left there most of the time. This only teaches them that the cage is their bathroom area so they have no problem pooping there when the need arises.
This puts a great dent in the potty training process, as these puppies never learn to hold it, they just go the moment they feel the urge. Once introduced to the crate, theyll just perceive it as a bathroom and will go just as often as needed.
If your puppy was doing pretty well in being potty trained and learned to hold it and not to soil in the crate, and now, suddenly he is having accidents, give him the benefit of doubt. Chances are, he may be suffering from some medical issue.
Namely, softer stools and diarrhea may impact a pups ability to hold it. The need becomes more impellent as the stools are passed with more frequency and urgency.
Soft stools and diarrhea are often seen in puppies due to dietary indiscretions (puppies eating things they shouldnt), abrupt dietary changes (puppies introduced to new foods too quickly), intestinal parasites and even potentially life-threatening disorders such as puppy parvo which can be rampant in some areas.
If your puppy isnt used to being in the crate or he struggles being left alone or is fearful of noises, this can lead to accidents in the crate. Even a move or change can upset a sensitive puppys tummy.
If your puppy has been punished often for pooping, there are chances this may teach your puppy to hide to poop. In other words, if you have caught your puppy pooping on the floor in the past and got angry or frustrated, your puppy may have come to associate pooping in your presence with punishment. This may lead to the puppy holding it and pooping the moment he is crated and you move out of sight.
Sensitive puppies can develop stress diarrhea when they travel, are boarded or move to a new place.
The Puppy Is Too Young to Hold It
Most puppies are welcomed into their new homes around the age of 8 weeks, although some breeds may be welcomed later on because they are slower to develop and need more time with their moms and littermates.
Maltese puppies, for example, should be removed from their moms only once theyre 12 weeks of age, recommends the American Maltese Association Code of Ethics.
Around 8 to 16 weeks of age, most puppies are too young to hold their pee and poop overnight and most require at least one or two trips at night to go potty.
It is therefore important that before crating your puppy for the night or leaving your puppy at home in the crate for some time, you ensure he is “empty” meaning he has peed and pooped.
Moral of the story? If your puppy is crated for longer than he can hold it, this will result in accidents in the crate.
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!
FAQ
Is it common for puppies to poop in their crate?
Why does my puppy poop in his crate and eat it?