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Why does my dog poop in her crate, lie in it, and eat her own poop?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | spayed | 10 months and 4 days old | 45 lbs

Goes in crate when I'm gone, for short or long periods of time. Let out before I leave and when i get back. No problem lying in mess. Checked twice, completely healthy. Other wise house trained. Wont go in crate when I'm around. Doesn't howl, bark or move around hastily in crate when I'm going to leave or gone. Eats defecation sometimes. Cage is right size and I clean both the cage and Belle after an accident. Other dog stays home with her outside the crate, so shes not alone.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 9th, 2017

If the crate training isn't working, you may need to switch to using a room such as a gated off kitchen or laundry room to see if it stops the problem. If that's the case, Belle may have some aversion to the crate itself, causing her to stress and defecate and then lay in it. Taking her out every 1-2 hours, if possible may also help if she still can't hold it long enough. As for eating it, products such as For-bid can be added to the food to make her stools less palatable. Speaking with a local trainer or veterinary behaviorist if she checked out healthy and is still having issues may also help.
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