I have a 12 week old Shih Tzu which I've had for 2 1/2 weeks. She has been pooping in her crate and I'm not sure what to do. I have decreased the size of the crate to just big enough for her to turn around and lay down. Last night I got up at 1:30 and took her out, but she only peed, then pooped at 3 am in the crate. From what most people tell me, dogs usually eat then go. She doesn't. She eats then might poop 5 hours later (or less). I'm having a hard time figuring out her schedule. She eats at the same time, but poops at different times. We're doing pretty well with the peeing. Any tips would be appreciated. :confused:

OK well first since your dog is more mature than puppy stage you will need to make notes on when he/she eats. And 15 min. after they eat take them outside and leave them there for a hour or so, since your puppy goes 5hrs lter. If she poots and pees praise it and give it a treat if it poots in the house hold it in front of the poot and make her smell it and with a sturdy voice say NO. and continue the same cycle.