Quote:
Originally Posted by kvernon
hi guys , thanks for the responses - she is actually pooing in her covers and blankets , not in another part of the crate . She then sits/rolls in it and gets covered. We are wondering if ti is separation anxiety although she doesn't do it every time she is left. She is happy in there , and actually puts herself in if she is tired etc. We are going to increase her exercise and see if she settles more if she is more tired.
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Well, if she's just laying in it then it seems we have a different issue. You say her stool is firm correct? If it's loose she may be unable to hold it because of anxiety or she could have a physical problem such as an intestinal parasite.
Your dog is young and may just not be able to hold it that long. make sure to let her out right before bed time and promopt her to relieve herself.
Does she dislike the crate? Some dogs become so anxious in crates that the crate itself becomes the problem. She may be so uncomfortable and anxious in the crate that she just goes all over herself. If this could be the case, try leaving her in the crate, but moving it into your room for a while. Just knowing you're right there may make her feel a whole lot calmer. After a few weeks, try moving the crate a few more feet away from your bed until it is in the location it's in now. Keping it upstairs may be a better option, in another room eventually unless you have a one story home. Here are some other ways to get a dog used to and comfortable in their crate. I found this info online;
Choose the correct size crate. Your dog should have enough room to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around. If you have a puppy, you'll probably want a crate that will be big enough to fit your dog when he is full grown. If you can't decide how big a crate you'll need, consult a breed recommendation chart (see Resources). Remember that if you are crate training your dog, get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the space your puppy has access to has he grows.
Put the crate in the middle of a room where your dog is. Put a yummy treat just inside the crate door and leave the door open.
Watch your dog. Praise him when he goes to sniff the crate. Eventually your dog will poke his head in to eat the treat. Use a toy if your dog doesn't seem interested in the treats.
Place another treat in the crate, but father back.
Repeat these steps a for a few minutes a few times a day until your dog will go all the way into the crate.
Put your dog's food dish in the crate so he begins associating his food with his crate.
Getting comfortable with the crate
Ask your dog to go into the crate. He might need to be helped into the crate until he understands what you are asking for. Give him a treat when he's in the crate.
Hold your hand in front of the crate to keep him from leaving it. Remove your hand after 10 seconds or so. Repeat this until your dog will stay calmly in the crate for about 30 seconds.
Repeat Step 1. Then close the door of the crate. Repeat this step many times, gradually increasing the amount of time the dog is in the crate.
Put your dog in the crate and leave the room. Gradually increase the amount of time he is in the crate.
Start putting your dog into the crate while you go on errands or for short periods of time. Once he is comfortable with this, you can try keeping him in the crate at night or while you are away at work.
Play with your dog or take him on a long walk before you put him in the crate. If he has too much energy, he will be more likely to cry in the crate.
Give your dog a toy or treat when you put him in his crate. You might try a Kong filled with a treat. This will reward your dog for going into the crate and also distract him during the first few minutes he is crated, which is often the most difficult time.
About Dividing the Crate---Don't Do This!!!
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