How to Prevent Dogs from Defecating in Their Crate

Use the Correct Size Crate. Dogs tend to relieve themselves in their crate if the crate is too large. If the crate is big enough for the dog to comfortably defecate in a corner, it is likely the dog will do so instead of waiting to be let out.

• The crate should only be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Anything larger than this increases the chances of the dog going to the bathroom in the crate.
• If you're raising a puppy, choose a crate that fits its adult size. Crates can be expensive, and you likely don't want to replace them too often, but you can limit its space with cardboard, foam boxes, or other dog-safe materials to reduce their roaming area.

Feed the dog in the crate. Often, dogs don't want to relieve themselves where they eat. Therefore, feeding your dog in the crate can be a way to solve this issue.

• It's not necessary to lock your dog in the crate during mealtime, as the stress of confinement might affect its appetite. Simply place the food inside the crate and leave the door open.
• At first, your dog may hesitate to enter the crate to eat, as it might suspect you're trying to trick it into going into the crate. If you leave the food there and carry on with your usual activities, gradually your dog will get comfortable eating in the crate.

Change the bedding in the crate. You can try replacing the bedding or adding more blankets in the crate. This might help discourage your dog from relieving itself inside.

• If you haven't lined the crate, adding a comfortable mat or blanket will likely make the dog less inclined to treat the crate as a toilet. Dogs generally avoid soiling areas where they like to curl up and rest.
• If you've already been using bedding and your dog hides its waste there, consider removing the bedding. If the dog realizes it can't easily conceal its waste, it might stop doing so.
• Avoid using paper inside the crate, especially if the dog has been trained to relieve itself on paper.

Clean the crate thoroughly after each accident. Every time your dog soils the crate, you need to clean it completely. Use an enzymatic cleaner from a pet store or a grocery store. Removing the smell of the waste will prevent the dog from going in the same spot again.

Train the dog in the crate before leaving it alone. If you're new to confining your dog in the crate and it relieves itself there, the issue might be that the dog isn't accustomed to being in the crate. You should gradually get your dog used to being in the crate before leaving it alone.

• Give your dog a few days to get familiar with the crate. Encourage the dog to go in but don't lock it in. Make being in the crate an enjoyable experience by rewarding and praising the dog when it enters willingly.
• Once the dog is comfortable with the crate, you can start leaving it in for short periods. Begin with 10-minute sessions and gradually increase the time.
• Once the dog can stay in the crate for about 30 minutes without anxiety or fear, you can start leaving it for longer periods. When you leave, do so without prolonged farewells, as a drawn-out goodbye might make the dog anxious about being left alone.
• Increase the time your dog spends in the crate until it's comfortable being in it overnight or while you're at work.

Take your dog outside at consistent times. If your dog is relieving itself in the crate, it might be because the times you take it outside are not consistent. Make sure to let your dog out regularly so it doesn't have to resort to going inside the crate.

• If you only let your dog outside, it might not understand that it needs to go potty outdoors. When teaching your dog where to potty, accompany it outside and praise it when it uses the designated potty area. Otherwise, your dog might think going outside is just for fun, not to do its business.
• The amount of time your dog needs outside will vary depending on its age. For dogs under 12 weeks old, take them out once every hour during the day and once every 3 to 4 hours at night.
• As your dog gets older, you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks. Once your dog is 6 to 7 months old, you can take it out every 4 hours during the day and every 8 hours at night. Adult dogs should be let out at least three times a day and should also have at least one long walk during this time.
• The key is consistency. Take your dog outside at the same times each day. Your dog's body will adjust to a routine, reducing the chances of it going potty in the crate.

Set a fixed feeding schedule for your dog. Establish a set feeding schedule so you can predict when your dog will need to go potty. Limiting treats and snacks between meals can also help reduce potty issues. A dog's digestive system is typically stimulated about 20 minutes after eating, so don't lock it in the crate right after feeding, as it may relieve itself soon after. Instead, allow your dog time to go outside for potty about 20 to 30 minutes after eating.

• The amount of food will depend on your dog's breed, size, and health. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the right portion size and then spread it out over the day according to your dog's needs.
• If your dog is crated overnight, avoid feeding or giving water 3 hours before bedtime. If your dog is crated during the day while you're at work, make sure to walk it in the morning to give it time to potty after breakfast.

Use positive and negative reinforcement. Using both positive and negative reinforcement can help teach your dog not to go potty in the crate.

• When you take your dog outside, always praise it when it goes potty. You can say something like 'Good job!' and even offer a small treat as a reward.
• If you catch your dog about to potty in the crate, clap your hands and say 'No', then immediately take it outside to finish.
• Remember to enforce discipline right on the spot. If you wake up and find your dog has already relieved itself in the crate, scolding it will be ineffective because it won't understand why it's being reprimanded. Avoid being overly harsh or loud, as this can increase anxiety and make the problem worse. Never shove your dog's nose in the mess, as this only confuses and stresses them out.

Schedule a vet appointment. It's important to ensure that your dog's behavior isn't related to health issues. Schedule a check-up with a veterinarian for a full health examination.

• If your dog is having diarrhea or loose stools, it could be experiencing stomach issues that need treatment. The vet may run blood tests or X-rays to determine the best course of action.
• Older dogs often struggle with bowel control due to age. If your dog is senior, the vet can examine its ability to control its bowels and recommend appropriate treatments.

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