Why does my dog mess during the night even though she goes before bed?

My Papp has similar issues. One trick I have tried is I take everything out of the crate at night. Just an empty crate. In the morning, there is never a mess. A far as your other question, it’s natural for most dogs to purge 5-30 minutes after eating. Take her out before & and after. Also, most Papps suffer from separation anxiety. This compounds the problem. You can help by placing something of yours that smells like you inside the crate. I like to use an old sweaty lawn-mowing shirt. Smelling you gives them comfort.

Hope some or all of this helps you !

we just adopted a poochie (poodle Chihuahua mix) they think. she is 8 lbs and was very good when we got her, no messes. we had company that brought their two dogs up, one pooped in the floor every night he was here. they do not believe in crate training. since they have left she has been pooping in the living room every night. not the same place as the other dog. but it is like he told her it was an ok thing to do. she is very small and does not bark to go out, she is afraid of the bells I put on the door. she was found on the street and acts like she was abused, so there is no yelling or hitting. what do I need to do to train her to tell us she wants out. we are home doing the day so we let her out regular. but night has become a problem, and she sleeps with me and has from the first night. she was so good it was not a problem. help please!!!!

First of all, if you have a puppy, realize that puppies need to go more often and can’t control their bodily functions all night long. Puppies generally need to go at least once during the night until they are about 6 months old.

If your dog is older, then you need to set a regular schedule and keep them on it until they are no longer having accidents in the house. Schedule feeding times and bathroom times regularly to avoid accidents!

Be sure to feed your dog early in the evening and then take away all food several hours before bedtime. Take away water an hour before bedtime If you can, take your dogs for a walk just before bedtime to give them ample time to go to the bathroom.

If you have a crate and your dog is already trained to the crate, be sure to close the door where the dog is confined during the night. A dog will rarely mess where it sleeps.

If you do not have a crate – get one and gradually introduce the crate where your dog likes its crate and sees the crate as a pleasurable place to be. Feed the dog in the crate, put its favorite toys in the crate, give treats in the crate, etc. Start putting your dog in there for short periods of time and slowly build up.

If your dog is going in the general area that the other dog went, be sure that you are cleaning thoroughly where there is no smell left. The dog may be marking their territory from the smell of the other dog. You may have to buy a special cleaner to remove the odor completely.

If these steps don’t help, talk with your vet and check to make sure that there isn’t a physical issue that is causing your dog’s problems. It’s always good to check to see if there is a physical issue causing a behavior problem with your dog. Remember, dogs don’t misbehave because the are “trying to be stubborn” or “getting back at you” or because they are just “bad dogs.” There may be an underlying issue that the vet can find that will solve your dog’s problem. Good luck! Hope these suggestions help! 🙂