Puppy Crate Training: Dealing with A Puppy That Poops in their Crate

Having a new puppy is an exciting time, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the most common problems new puppy owners face is dealing with accidents in the crate. If your puppy is pooping in his crate, you may be feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to help prevent this behavior.

Puppies pooping in their crate is a common issue that many new pet owners face. There are several reasons why a puppy may be pooping in their crate, including:

1. Lack of proper potty training: Puppies need to be taken outside regularly, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. If they are not given enough opportunities to relieve themselves outside, they may resort to going in their crate.

2. The crate is too big: If a crate is too big for a puppy, they may feel comfortable enough to use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a sleeping area.

3. Anxiety or stress: Puppies may feel anxious or stressed if they are left alone for long periods or if they are in a new environment. This can cause them to go to the bathroom in their crate.

4. Medical issues: Puppies may have medical issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal problems, or food allergies that can cause them to have diarrhea or loose stools, which can lead to accidents in their crate.

To prevent a puppy from pooping in its crate, it is important to establish a consistent potty training routine. This includes taking them outside regularly, praising them when they go outside, and not punishing them when accidents happen.

It is also important to make sure the crate is the appropriate size for the puppy and to provide them with plenty of toys and comfortable bedding to make the crate a positive and comfortable space.

If a puppy continues to have accidents in their crate despite these efforts, it may be helpful to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues.

This article will provide tips and solutions for dealing with a puppy who poops in his crate, including how to establish a potty training routine, how to clean the crate effectively, and how to address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the problem.

How to Clean Up After Your Puppy

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning up your puppy, make sure you have the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Disposable gloves
• Paper towels or rags
• Cleaning solution (water and vinegar, or pet-specific cleaner)
• Trash bags

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Here’s a step-by-step process for cleaning up after your puppy:

1. Put on disposable gloves to avoid coming into contact with any bacteria or viruses that may be present in your puppy’s waste.
2. Remove your puppy from the crate and take them outside to finish its business.
3. Use paper towels or rags to pick up and remove as much of the waste as possible. Be careful not to spread it around.
4. Dispose of the waste in a trash bag.
5. Apply a cleaning solution to the area where your puppy had the accident. You can use a solution of water and vinegar or a pet-specific cleaner. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break down any remaining bacteria or odor.
6. Use paper towels or rags to wipe up the cleaning solution and any remaining waste.
7. Dispose of the paper towels or rags in a trash bag.
8. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
9. Let the area air dry completely.

Remember to clean your puppy’s crate regularly to prevent any buildup of bacteria or odor. A good rule of thumb is to clean it at least once a week, or more often if needed.

Preventing Future Accidents

After cleaning up your puppy’s crate, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future accidents. Here are some tips:

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a regular feeding schedule can help regulate your puppy’s bowel movements. Feed your puppy at the same time every day, and avoid giving them food or water right before bedtime. Make sure your puppy is eating a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and size.

Creating a Regular Potty Routine

Creating a regular potty routine can help your puppy learn when and where they should go. Take your puppy outside to their designated potty spot at regular intervals throughout the day, especially after meals and naps. Be consistent with your commands and praise your puppy when they go potty outside.

Gradually Increasing Crate Time

If your puppy is having accidents in their crate, they may be spending too much time there. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in their crate, starting with short periods and gradually increasing over time. Make sure your puppy has plenty of opportunities to go potty outside before and after crate time.

By establishing a feeding schedule, creating a regular potty routine, and gradually increasing crate time, you can help prevent future accidents and keep your puppy happy and healthy.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club

When to Seek Professional Help

If your puppy continues to poop in the crate despite your best efforts to train them, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help identify underlying issues and provide guidance on how to address them.

Additionally, if your puppy is experiencing diarrhea or other health issues, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Diarrhea can be a sign of a serious health problem, and it’s important to get your puppy the medical attention they need.

It’s also important to seek professional help if your puppy is exhibiting signs of anxiety or distress when in the crate. A professional can help identify the root cause of the anxiety and provide guidance on how to address it.

Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of failure. It’s a proactive step to ensure that your puppy is healthy and happy and that you are equipped with the tools and knowledge to provide the best possible care for them.

Sources: AKC, FiveBarks

Why Your Puppy is Pooping in His Crate

If your puppy is pooping in his crate, there could be several reasons for this behavior. Understanding why your puppy is doing this can help you take the necessary steps to correct it.

One common reason for this behavior is that your puppy is not yet fully potty trained. Puppies have small bladders and may not be able to hold their pee or poop for long periods. If your puppy is still learning where to go potty, he may not be able to hold it long enough to make it outside.

Another reason could be that your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety. When you leave your puppy alone, he may feel stressed or anxious, leading him to poop in his crate. This behavior is more common in younger puppies who have not yet learned to be alone.

Finally, your puppy may be pooping in his crate because he is not getting enough exercise. Puppies need plenty of exercise and playtime to burn off their energy. If your puppy is not getting enough exercise, he may become restless and anxious, leading to accidents in his crate.

Remember, punishing your puppy for pooping in his crate is not the answer. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and taking steps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn to potty outside and stop pooping in his crate.

Sources: AKC, PetHelpful, Top Dog Tips

FAQ

Is it normal for puppies to poop in their crate?

While it certainly happens from time to time, if it is happening a lot then you might want to revise your ‘potty break’ schedule so that there is less time between visits outside. If your puppy poops enough times in their crate, then they will start to associate this as being normal.

You don’t want this, because this is a habit that they may keep into adulthood! Try a new schedule and see if this works.

How many times a day should a puppy poop?

This varies from dog to dog, but it should be between 1 and 5 times a day and that frequency should be consistent. So, if your dog poops 3 times today, they will likely do the same tomorrow.

 This can be useful information, as whenever this changes you will know that something might be amiss and that you should keep a close eye on your puppy.  

How long after eating does a puppy poop?

Puppies have very efficient digestive tracts, so your puppy will need to poop within 30 minutes of eating. With that in mind, you should always take them outside 5 to 10 minutes after each meal and then your puppy should be able to ‘do their business’ and come back inside.  

Do puppies poop in the middle of the night?

Puppies sometimes poop in the middle of the night, but generally, they are going to do so 5 to 30 minutes after eating. A visit to the vet is a good idea to rule out any parasites in a case like this, as they are a very common reason for a puppy pooping in the middle of the night, instead of immediately after a meal.  

How often do 8-week-old puppies poop?

Typically an 8-week-old puppy is going to need to defecate approximately 5 to 30 minutes after every meal. This is good news, as it means you can schedule meals and walks in advance so that the chances of any ‘accidents’ in the house will be minimal.  

How long does it take to potty train a dog using a crate?

The consensus is that potty training a dog using a crate can take approximately 2 to 6 months, though this will vary from dog to dog. Some may learn much faster, so just be sure to be consistent in your puppy’s training and be patient… your puppy will get there!

What is the hardest dog to potty train?

There are quite a few breeds that are harder to potty train than others. Jack Russel Terriers are one example. These intelligent dogs were bred to be hunting dogs and they have a stubborn streak a mile wide, which makes potty training especially taxing for both the dog and their owner.

Beagles are another tricky example. Also very much bred for hunting, they tend to be quite energetic and easily distracted outside by birds, squirrels, and any other animals that they see. As such, the biggest problem is a distraction!

No matter what breed you have, however, potting training can be done. Just be patient and consistent and you will see results!

What age should a puppy be toilet trained?

Toilet training should begin as soon as you get your new puppy home, at which point they are generally 6 to 8 weeks old. Getting an early start is important, as it helps to ensure that your puppy doesn’t pick up any bad habits that you’ll have to train them out of later.

So, if you have a new puppy, now is the right time to start potty training!