[qznpvp]

I have a 5 month old wire hair fox terrier that has started pooping in his crate. We didn't get him until he was 4 months old and I knew potty training was going to be tough... based on the last WFT I had but this is horrible. I think he is getting himself so upset that he just poops. It doesn't matter how much or how little space he has he does it. Is there any help or advice anyone can give?

[starbuck8]

How long are you leaving him in his crate? Are you taking him on long daily walks to release his energy and frustration, and also establish your role as pack leader? You need to do this. Otherwise, you will likely have to put up with him having bad behaviours, and potty training (and other behavioural training) will be very difficult for you!

[qznpvp]

He is there about 6 hours but he can be in there for 20 minutes and go too. I really think its an anxiety thing. I have another puppy that has never messed her crate but we have had her since she was 8 weeks old. Woody is a great pup and he's much less stuborn than my last fox terrier he just poops. He doesn't pee in the crate or have accidents in the house. He listens and obeys he just poops!

[starbuck8]

No two dogs are alike. You have to adjust how you train them, and the ammout of time it will take. Again, I have to emphasize the importance of the walks! There is nothing more important when trying to train your dog. Whether it be housetraining, or other behavioural problems. This is doubly important if you feel your dog has anxiety issues.

Try long walks twice a day for a week, and see if you don't have a more well behaved dog that doesn't poop in his crate. A walk doesn't mean a leisurely stroll either. They need to walk at a fast pace. No sniffing around, no getting distracted, only moving forward! The dog can't be in front of you. He needs to be on a short lead by your side or behind you. Don't ask him to go on a walk, take both your dogs and just go! No talking, no language communication, just show them that you are going and they are following.

I bet if you do this the right way, within days he will no longer be pooping in his crate.

(Also, bleach out the crate)

Edit: I didn't mean to imply to stop the walks after a week. You need to stay consistent, or your dog will go back to the old behaviour.

[Silverfoxkit]

When he poops and you take him out to clean up after him do you play with him or give him anything he might make a positive association with? I've known of some puppies who trained their owners that way. They learned if I potty in here I get what I want.