Just today a reader emailed this question about her toy poodle pooping inappropriately:
“I think my toy poodle gets mad at me when I put her in her crate at night or when I leave. She will poop in her kennel. I don't understand what is going on . She will let me know when she has to go during the day when I’m home. Could you please give me some advice about what I should do?”
We don't think your poodle is "mad" at you. She might get a little anxious when you leave and have an accident as a result. Toy poodles tend to be so attached to us that they can have "separation anxiety."
Dogs will do everything in their power NOT to soil their crates. So here are some thoughts about crate training your pet. Consider if any of these ideas would be worth a try:
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Remove any crate-anxiety by keeping the crate available (with its door open) and put your toy poodle in the crate with a small treat or safe toy from time to time when you are home so that she gets the idea that the crate is a safe place. My toy poodles voluntarily go to their crates all the time to relax.
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Before you go out - or at night before you go to bed - make sure you give your pet a bathroom break to make sure she is "empty." Also, let your pet out of the crate the very first thing upon your return - or in the morning - to avoid accidents in the crate.
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Play a radio (or Internet music) on low so that your pet won't feel "alone" when you are out of the house. I’ve used talk radio stations in the past; now I play classical music and my toy poodles are hooked on Mozart <grin>.
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You don't mention your dog's age, but keep in mind that puppies can hold their pee and poop only about one hour for every month in age. For instance, a four-month dog can be expected to hold only for four hours. Assuming your dog gets a bathroom trip before bed time, though, she should be able to hold through the night no matter what her age.
Be sure to seek your veterinarian’s advice about house training. No one (besides you) knows your pet better than s/he does!
Until next time,
Mr. Dibs
