Hello. We have had our little mini-schnauzer for a week now. She is doing very well during the day, but night time is becoming a problem. She has started pooping 3 or 4 times at night... the problem is that she doesn't whine until she's already soiled her crate.

Her last meal is at 5:00, and we take her out many times before crating her around 10:00. We've made her crate smaller (as our vet suggested), but it doesn't seem to be working. Last night she pooped at 10:45, 1:30, and 2:45. Once she whines and we take her out, she'll go again, but by then the crate is already dirty. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you very much... grouch

Also, we're feeding her, then waiting 5-10 min. and taking her out, but she doesn't seem interested in pooping after her meals... it seems to take her an hour or so to get ready to go.

One thing that can help is to keep her walking around when you take her out. Even throw a ball or stick for her, the more activity the better. Suddenly she will just have to stop and go. Praise her, play a little more, and then maybe she will be able to go longer.

Forcing her to endure a fouled crate can lead to problems. It may be a few more weeks until she can make it over night. You could try getting up before she has to go and taking her out. Also you can reduce mess. Skip the
Bedding. At first it gets wet, and later it can be chewed into choking
Hazards. A wire rack in the bottom will help keep the puppy up out of
Accidents at first. They are available with the crates, but a piece of closely
Spaced wire closet shelving from a home supply place is cheaper. You could try wood shavings too.