10 Reasons For 12 Week Puppy Pooping in Crate
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Today we’re tackling a stinky problem that many new puppy parents face: the dreaded 12 week puppy pooping in the crate situation.
If you’ve ever been woken up by the unmistakable smell of fresh puppy poop in the middle of the night, then you know just how frustrating and discouraging this can be. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
In this post, we’ll be exploring the reasons why puppies often poop in their crates, as well as some tips and tricks to help you put an end to this messy problem once and for all.
Why is my 12-week-old puppy pooping in their crate?
There could be several reasons why a puppy is pooping in their crate. It could be due to a medical issue, lack of training, anxiety, or an inappropriate diet.
It’s essential to rule out any underlying health concerns by taking your puppy to a veterinarian and working on crate training to help them learn bladder and bowel control.
Let’s break it down further…
Reasons For 12 Week Puppy Pooping in Crate
The following are some common reasons for 12 week puppy pooping in crate:
1. Need for Potty Breaks
Puppies have developing bladders, and their capacity to hold urine and feces is limited. At 12 weeks old, their bladder control is still developing, so it’s essential to take them out for potty breaks frequently.
Aim for every 2–3 hours during the day, and gradually increase the time between breaks as they grow older and gain better bladder control. Additionally, try not to give them water or food too close to bedtime to reduce the likelihood of accidents during the night.
2. Lack of Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, so sticking to a consistent routine is essential for successful potty training. Make a plan for your puppy’s meals, playtime, and bathroom breaks.
Feed them at regular intervals throughout the day, and take them to their designated potty spot after meals, playtime, and naps. Consistency will assist them in understanding when and where they should relieve themselves.
3. Incomplete House Training
Inconsistent housetraining can confuse your puppy, making it difficult for them to understand where they should relieve themselves. Maintain patience and consistency in the housetraining process.
Every time your puppy eliminates outside, reward and praise them. If there is an accident, do not chastise them; instead, thoroughly clean it up and be more vigilant about taking them out frequently.
4. Lack of Supervision
Allowing your puppy unsupervised access to the entire house may lead to them using the crate as their bathroom if they cannot find a more suitable location.
When you can’t closely supervise your puppy, use baby gates or playpens to restrict his access to certain areas of the house. Keep them in sight so you can quickly redirect them to the proper potty location if necessary.
5. Inconsistent Feeding Schedule
An irregular feeding schedule can upset your puppy’s digestive system and cause unpredictable potty habits. Establish a consistent feeding schedule with specific mealtimes.
Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all the time) and offer food at the same times every day. Also, feed your puppy at least a couple of hours before crate time to allow them to digest and eliminate waste.
6. Crate Size
Puppies have an innate desire to keep their sleeping quarters clean. If the crate is too large, they may mistake one corner for a potty area and the other for a resting area, resulting in accidents.
Choose a crate that is the correct size for your puppy’s current size. You can upgrade to a larger crate as your puppy grows. Meanwhile, you can use dividers to adjust the size of the crate and keep it from soiling one end.
7. Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety and stress can both contribute to crate accidents. Puppies may associate the crate with negative experiences or become overwhelmed if left alone for extended periods of time. Make the crate a positive and inviting space to relieve stress.
To keep them occupied, bring soft bedding and a few toys or chew treats inside. Introduce crate time gradually, beginning with short intervals and gradually increasing the duration. Consider crate training your puppy in a room where they can still see and hear you if they show signs of anxiety, such as excessive whining or barking.
Learn more about how to help a puppy sleep better.
8. Dietary Changes
Abrupt changes in your puppy’s diet can lead to stomach upset and increased bowel movements. When transitioning to a new food, do it gradually over the course of about a week.
Mix a small amount of the new food with the old one and gradually increase the proportion of the new food each day until they are fully switched over.
9. Inadequate Cleaning
If your puppy has previously had accidents in the crate, residual odors may entice them to use the same spot again.
Clean up any accidents in the crate as soon as possible and thoroughly as possible, using enzymatic cleaners specifically designed to remove pet odors. This will aid in the removal of any lingering odors that may encourage repeat behavior.
10. Health Issues
Medical problems like gastrointestinal issues or intestinal parasites can lead to increased urgency and less control over bowel movements.
If you notice any signs of health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian promptly. They can perform a thorough examination, provide proper treatment, and rule out any underlying health issues.
Learn more about puppies crying in crates.
Tips to Stop a 12 Week Puppy from Pooping in Crate
If you are having trouble with your 12 week old puppy pooping in its crate, here are some tips that may help you:
- Make sure the crate is the right size: If the crate is too big, your puppy may think it is okay to use one side as a bathroom and the other as a sleeping area. Ensure the crate is just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down when fully grown.
- Take your puppy out frequently: Puppies have small bladders and cannot hold their pee for a long time. Take your puppy out hourly or after every meal.
- Be consistent with feeding times: Feeding at regular intervals means toilet times become more predictable and it will be easier to determine when your puppy needs to be taken out.
- Reward for good behavior: Reward your puppy every time they do their business outside the crate.
- Keep the crate clean: Clean the crate every time your puppy has an accident in it. This will help to eliminate the odors that can make it a more attractive place to use for bathroom breaks.
- Don’t punish your puppy: Punishing your puppy after the fact will not teach them what they did wrong, instead, they will learn to fear you.
- Get help from a professional trainer: If the problem persists, seek help from a professional dog trainer who can offer additional tips and support.
Remember to be patient and consistent with your puppy. With time and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn to use the crate as a safe place to sleep and rest, not a place to go potty.
Learn more about potty training a puppy.
Related Questions
How can I prevent my 12-week-old puppy from pooping in their crate?
Crate training can help prevent your puppy from pooping in their crate. You can start by creating an appropriate-sized crate, making it comfortable with bedding, and gradually getting them used to the space. It’s also important to establish a routine for feeding, watering, and taking them out to eliminate to help them develop a regular elimination schedule.
Learn more about how to stop a puppy barking when left alone.
Is it normal for 12-week-old puppies to poop frequently?
Yes, it is normal for 12-week-old puppies to poop frequently, usually after every meal. They have a small digestive system, so it’s essential to take them out for frequent potty breaks to prevent accidents in their crate.
Learn more about why your puppy is not eating.
Can I punish my puppy for pooping in their crate?
No, punishing your puppy for pooping in their crate is not effective and can even be harmful. Positive reinforcement, such as rewarding your puppy for eliminating outside and following a consistent routine, is more effective than punishment.
How often should I clean my puppy’s crate if they poop in it?
If your puppy poops in their crate, it’s essential to clean it up as soon as possible. Cleaning the crate daily, and more frequently if needed, will help prevent the spread of bacteria and odors.
When should I expect my puppy to stop pooping in their crate?
With consistent training, most puppies will stop pooping in their crate by the time they are 4-6 months old. However, every dog is different, so it’s crucial to be patient and continue working on crate training until your puppy has developed full bladder and bowel control.
Learn more about 4 months old puppy crying in a crate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a 12-week-old puppy that poops in the crate can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that patience and persistence are key.
With consistent training, a healthy feeding routine, and plenty of love and attention, your furry friend will soon learn to do their business outside the crate.
So stay positive, keep up the good work, and remember to shower your puppy with lots of belly rubs along the way! Happy puppy parenting, everyone!
