Hi there. Came to the site due to frustration with puppies pooping (and eating) and peeing in crate. I have 2 Shorkies, 11 months old. When I take them outside, they do not always go potty. When I take them in, they go. I also use pee pads. They work well but the problem here is that they think every carpet/rug etc is a pee pad. I just cleaned out the crate this morning, sanitized it etc, put down a clean towel and one of them goes to pee on it. I cannot let them run out in the morning because it is dark and there are coyotes in the area. I use a Penn outside but I need to carry them out (which I hear is not right either since they will associate peeing with being carried out). Who knew this was so complicated? I have read other posts here, one from a Shih Tzu owner and one from a Yorkshire Terrier. Perhaps it is breed related?? I keep saying I must be missing something; I see no pattern etc etc. Does having two at the same age make it more challenging? PF

You have to stop using pee pads, dogs can't differentiate between a pee pad and another soft thing laying on the floor. I have always had the best success with crate training and consistency. Make a schedule and stick as closely as possible to it. House breaking can be tiring, seems especially difficult with smaller breeds. Where did you get your dogs from? Pet store dogs are some of the hardest to house break due to their entire lives being lived in a glass box, and allowed to pee and poop where they live/eat/sleep.

Consistency is key, every time they eat, they go outside (even a small piece of kibble can put pressure on their bowels), every time they drink, they go outside, every time they play or awake from sleeping, they need to go out doors. It may take them 5 min to go or it may take them 20, so bring a seat and some reading material and remember to praise like mad once they have done their business.

Why do you have to carry them to their pen? Exercise creates pressure on their bladders and bowels so a short walk for a small dog can create the urge to go. That brings me to my next point. What is their exercise routine like? Also what type of food are you feeding them? When a dog eats it's own feces, it usually means they are lacking nutrition in their diet. Some dogs eat it when they do it in their pens as a way to "clean" up. If you sprinkle meat tenderizer on their food, it usually deters them from eating it. Also pumpkin or pineapple (if they will eat it) makes the poop unappealing to them.