I have a 6 mo old Cocker that just started pooping in her crate. She has been crated since I got her at 8 weeks old & has done great until this past weekend. I have been leaving her outside on the weekends since she likes being outside. I bring her in at night to sleep in her crate. This has been the only change to her routine. Could this be the reason for pooping in her crate? Thanks.

Could be. I often suggest reversing any recent changes when a problem crops up. I hate to say not to let a dog out that wants to be out. It could also be a matter of maturing and leadership. She may no longer be happy shut in the crate or stressed by it. The extra exercise she maybe getting may bring on a bowel movement over night that otherwise might go until morning.

It is time to get her spayed. If not already, she is churning out hormones and maybe coming into season before long. Best get her spayed before it starts and you have to go through the flaky behavior, mess, risks, etc.

Does she accept your leadership? The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss