How to Keep a Dog From Defecating in Its Crate

Many dog owners use crate training as a method for house training; however, this method may not work if your dog has been in a situation where he has not had a choice except to defecate in the area where he lives. If this has happened to your dog, he may have never learned to separate his living area from where he eliminates. In order to teach your dog not to defecate in his crate, you will need to retrain his instincts.

Things You'll Need

  • Confined area or room
  • Puppy pads or newspapers
  • Baby gate or puppy pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Confine your dog to a small area with a hard floor that is easy to clean. If your dog will be using a small room such as a bathroom, keep him in the room with a baby gate rather than by closing the door. If sectioning off part of a larger room, set up a puppy pen.

    • 2

      Spread puppy pads or newspapers throughout the whole area.

    • 3

      Place your dog's food and water bowls and his crate opposite wherever your dog chooses to eliminate. Pick up the puppy pads or newspapers in every spot except where your dog is eliminating.

    • 4

      Take your dog outside to eliminate more often. You may need to continue this step even after returning to keeping your dog in a crate.

    • 5

      Return to keeping your dog in his crate after he no longer defecates in his confined area. If your dog goes back to defecating in the crate, bring him back to the confined area and start over again.