Expert: Kaza - 12/17/2011

Question
I rescued an adult female bichon frisee who immediately entered crate when she saw it. Was outdoor trained until one month later. Then, when left alone she started peeing and pooping in crate even if successfully taken outside before putting her in and if only in crate for as little as one hour. Doesn't matter if towel or toy is put in crate or if tv is left on. (She can last over 12 hours at night.  She can choose whether to sleep in crate, on floor or on bed.) It has been suggested that the crate might be too big but I don't know how to determine that. Crate is 14" wide and 21" long. Dog is around 21" from back end to nose. Is crate too big?  Any other suggestions, would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you.

Answer
This is all normal for a rescued doggy who is likely feeling the loss of her family or previous life, even if that was not brilliant they still suffer a sense of loss and to a degree grief.
This is similar to separation anxiety as such you will need to go back to puppy basics and treat her like she is a new puppy. She needs TLC and lots of it. PLease read the following and start again and I know this will be fine in the near future

Good luck both of you and kisses for rescueing this one
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_134&sName=new-pup-at-home-
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_135&sName=new-pup-part-2
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_136&sName=pup-at-home-part-3
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_69&sName=crate-training-

Kaza