bowel movements in crate

Question
I have had my spayed female St. Bernard for a month.  I got her from a rescue organization.  They got her from a shelter after she was surrendered in a divorce.  She is very sweet and loving.  However I have had nothing but problems with bowel movements.  First it was loose stools which I attributed to the change in home and food.  It resolved after four or five days.  The following weekend I had company and she went in her crate while we were gone.  Continued to do so for half a week then OK.  Again the next weekend I had a get together and she went in her crate everyday for a week.  Now she has been good but only if she is let out after approx 8 hrs.  A couple days a week she needs to be crated for 12 hours.  I have a Boxer as well and he has never had a problem.  I was feeding her in the AM and evening but am going to try to just feed her in the evening.  I don't understand why she can't hold it for longer periods of time.  Stools are formed at this time, no diarrhea.  It usually happens when she doesn't have a bowel movement in the AM before I go to work.  If she goes no accidents, if not, she does after less than 8 hrs.

Answer
Christina,

Thanks for writing. The short answer is that 12 hours is too long to expect her to hold it. Every dog has a different metabolism. You stated that she is good if you let her out within 8 hours. You'll need to either:A) either set up a confinement area (larger area with bedding inside crate with crate door detached) and newspaper or potty pads surrounding the confinement area OR B) arrange for a neighbor or friend to come let her out on the days you'll be gone for 12 hours OR C) experiment with different foods and feeding schedules so that her schedule of elimination falls within the times you are home and can let her out.

Thanks for writing and Good Luck!

Alan J Turner
Memphis Dog Training
Owner: http://howsbentley.com