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Are you finding it difficult to stop your dog from pooping in his crate?
I get it. I had the same problem, too, when I got my pups!
Pooping in a crate is normal for young puppies who are yet to be trained.
However, this could also indicate that something is medically or emotionally wrong with the dog, especially if they're already an adult.
As my vet advised, try to pay attention to your dog's poop the next time they go.
If you see loose or runny stools, an underlying medical condition probably makes it difficult for them to hold it in.
But if their stool is firm and has a normal color, then their behavior might be caused by the following:
- Improper or lack of training
- Incorrect dog crate size
- Bad habits they have already gotten used to
- Other possible causes that are included below
Without further ado, here are 10 proven ways that helped me stop my dogs from pooping in their crates, which I hope will help you, too!
RELATED: Dog Pees in Crate: What You Should Do Next
10 Ways to Stop a Dog Pooping in a Crate
1. Proper Potty Training
Before crating your dog for an extended period, they must be housebroken first.
This was my first mistake.
I immediately housed my dogs in their fence without letting them get used to a set schedule first.
As you know, housebreaking means training the dog to go potty at a specific time and place.
Of course, you can still use a crate while you're house training your dog, but only temporarily.
Speaking of time, this brings me to our 2nd solution…
2. Crate Stay Duration
How long are you keeping your dog in the crate?
With my puppies, I usually kept them in their fence when I was cleaning the house and before sleeping at night.
However, as I mentioned, they weren't housebroken, so they didn't learn to follow a scheduled time for bathroom breaks.
When you crate your dog, ensure the time does not interfere with the dog's bathroom-walk schedule.
It would be best if you don't keep your dog in the crate for too long.
Despite the myth, dogs are not denning animals, and some do not prefer to stay in them, especially for an extended period of time.
RELATED: Crate Training a Puppy: 22 Tricks and Tips
Your dog's age is also a big factor. Adult dogs can hold it in longer than puppies.
The recommended maximum time for a puppy under 4 months to stay in a crate is up to 4 hours.
A puppy around 6 months can stay up to 5 hours, and an adult dog can stay up to 6-8 hours.
But if they have crate anxiety (as we're about to dive into next), pooping could really happen regardless of age.
3. Anxiety
I remember the first time I left my dogs in their crate while I went to the market. I wasn't even gone for more than an hour, but when I returned, they sure had a fresh surprise waiting for me on their bed.
Other than any other health issues, dogs may also poop in a crate because something causes them anxiety.
Crate anxiety is real, and not all dogs can tolerate crates due to claustrophobic fear of confinement and/or solitude.
After you place your pet in a crate, watch out for signs of stress.
If any distress is present, that often leads to peeing and pooping uncontrollably.
If your dog suddenly has diarrhea, that could be another symptom of his anxiety.
RELATED: 12 Best Dog Anxiety Medications: OTC & Calming Supplements
4. Exercise
Plenty of exercise benefits a crate-dog in more than one way.
It tires out the dog, making them less likely to whine, misbehave, and poop in a crate.
And if your pooch is usually active at night, tiring him out before bed will help him go straight to sleep.
In fact, according to Dr. Michele K., DVM:
A few things that might help would be to make sure that he is walked before bed and has timed meals so that he isn't eating right before bed, either.
Regular walks, playtime, and exercise also help the dog's mind connect routines.
As you know, potty habits align with other routines, such as walks and meals.
And speaking of feeding your dog…
5. Feeding Times
Routine is crucial for dogs, so you should try to feed your pets simultaneously throughout the day.
Why? So you can predict when they're about to go!
Many dogs tend to poop about 30 to 60 minutes after their meals.
This means that if you feed them, ensure it's not right before you crate them.
As Adrienne Farricelli from PetHelpful puts it:
“Try feeding food no less than six hours before your puppy is crated for the night.
For example, if your puppy is crated for the night at midnight, plan to feed no later than 6pm.
The later a puppy is fed, the more likely he's going to defecate overnight.”
Another no-brainer piece of advice: do not keep or put food in the crate until you're confident that your dog can hold it in for long enough.
Especially if the kibble or treat has a history of not sitting well in your dog's tummy.
Which brings us to number 6…
6. Choosing The Right Dog Food and Treats
If you're a new puppy owner, you're probably still trying to determine whether your pet has food sensitivity. But if he's been with you for quite a while, you might know this already.
Thankfully, in my case, my dogs aren't too picky with what they eat or chew on (shoes included!)
Just make sure that whatever you give your pet agrees with his stomach.
Some dog foods and treats may upset a dog's stomach, cause diarrhea, or otherwise mess with your dog's bathroom schedule.
If you're leaving a peanut butter stuffed KONG toy in the crate, and your dog won't stop pooping in the crate, then peanut butter could be the cause.
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
7. Remove Any Blanketing
Do you put blankets in your dog's crate? Our pets could be smart and naughty at the same time.
You'll probably try to sniff around to know where the culprit is, just to find it under a blanket.
Some dogs understand they can poop in the crate and cover it up like nothing happened.
If your dog does this, it's best to remove the blanket until it learns that lying in its mess is not the ideal way to spend time in a crate.
8. Training
How do you know your dog isn't training you (a.k.a. manipulating you) instead?
Even if you follow all crate training rules, some dogs still learn that pooping in a crate equals being allowed out.
If you suspect this to be the issue, consult a professional behaviorist to discourage the dog from this behavior.
You will use positive reinforcement and redirection to stop your dog from being a smarty pants.
RELATED: Crate Training a Puppy: 22 Tricks and Tips
9. Crate Size
Dogs will poop if the crate is too big. They may treat part of it like a backyard: poop on one side, sleep on the other!
Choosing a dog crate based on your dog's age and size is important.
Too big, they'll poop on it. Too small, they'll be too uncomfortable, which can cause them stress and anxiety, which also results in pooping.
To get the perfect dog crate size, refer to this crate sizing chart or the article linked below.
RELATED: Dog Crate Sizes: How to Size a Dog Crate for a Perfect Fit
10. Health Issues
If you feel you've done all you can to stop your dog from pooping in a crate, just bring him to the vet!
Have him get a health check-up to ensure no medical issue is causing this problem.
I'm sure your vet will also advise you on food options if your dog's pooping habits are caused by food.
When Nothing Else Works, Try These!
You've completed all 10 steps and even ruled out any medical conditions with the help of your vet. But your dog is still treating his crate like a toilet?
There are two more things you could give him. More time and more patience.
During this time, you'll also need supplies to decrease the “damage” caused by your dog's poop.
Training Pads
Get yourself some training pads to lay out in the crate.
This is a temporary solution but will help to deal with poop in the crate.
They're primarily designed for dog urine but are still helpful in absorbing the feces and even locking in the smell.
And besides, would you rather your dog do it on the blanket or in bed?
Training pads are your best bet in containing and cleaning the mess in the crate, making it much easier.
Pet Diapers
An appropriately sized set of pet diapers can also help you and your pooch temporarily.
However, if your pet is like my dog, who hates the idea of diapers and can remove them in a snap, I recommend the training pads.
Most dogs will not feel comfortable wearing diapers, so this should only be used as a last resort and only for a short period.
Other tools that can help you temporarily deal with this problem are potty trays like this that you can place in the crate (ideally, with pee pads).
You can also use pet odor eliminators that contain enzymes to discourage the dog from pooping where you spray it!
Below are some of the best products I used for this problem.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MidWest Homes for Pets Replacement Dog Crate Pan... | 47,543 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle - Enzyme... | 10,696 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads with 5-Layer... | 250,855 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator... | 110,835 Reviews | Check Price |
Dog Daycare
Have you considered getting your dog in daycare?
This might be better than keeping your dog in a crate with you-know-what!
I highly recommend you look for the best doggy daycare around your area, especially if your main reason for crating is that you're leaving the house.
This is the more humane solution, and your dog could also learn some cool tricks!
We wrote a couple of equally cool articles, too, about doggy daycare that you can read here:
- Is Dog Daycare Good For Dogs?
- Dog Daycare for Anxious Dogs
- Dog Daycare vs. Dog Boarding
- Do You Tip in a Dog Daycare?
Dog Sitter
If you don't like the idea of leaving your pooch somewhere he's unfamiliar with, why not get a dog sitter instead?
You could either get someone you know or hire a professional sitter instead!
While you're away, they can take your Fido out for his bathroom breaks.
You can also book a dog walker for specific times during the day.
It's convenient, too, as it has plenty of easy-to-use apps and
services.
RELATED: TOP #91: How to Choose the Right Dog Sitter
What is dirty dog syndrome?
The Dirty Dog Syndrome refers to dogs that become desensitized and habitually poop and pee in their crates or living spaces without distress.
This behavior is common in puppies from puppy mills or pet stores, where dogs are confined in small, unclean areas.
Overcoming this requires consistent, positive housetraining to reestablish the instinct to keep their living area clean.
How to stop a dog from eating poop in a crate?
Coprophagia, or dog eating poop, is common, and it happens inside or outside the crate.
To stop this, it's important to address the underlying causes with your veterinarian, adjust their diet (as a lack of certain nutrients could cause it), and train them to “leave” it.
RELATED: How To Make A Dog Stop Eating Poop
How do I stop my dog from pooping because of anxiety?
There are many options to calm your dog's anxiety, like vests, medicines, or training.
The best thing to do is to create a safe and comfortable space with familiar items for your dog. It could be their favorite toy or even your shirt.
You can also seek professional help from animal behaviorists to deal with your dog's anxiety.
Dog Pooping in a Crate: Before You Go…
Hopefully, these tips will help you deal with your pooping pooch problem as they helped me and my dogs.
It will take a lot of your patience (trust me, I know!)
But seeing your dog learn and know better because of your love and help is priceless.
Good luck, fur parent!
Related Articles:
- 8 Tips on How to Stop a Dog From Peeing in the Crate
- Crate Training a Puppy: 22 Tricks and Tips
- Crate Training an Older Dog: The Best Way to Kennel Train and 10 Lessons
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