Bichon who plays and lays in its feces problem

Question
Dear Bill,

We purchased a bichon frise from a pet store.  Once home, we noticed "Muffin" would always eliminate near the front of her crate and then proceed to step, play, and sleep in her mess.  When we had to board her while we were out of town, the vet commented that Muffin did the same thing to the point of getting feces in her food (she would do this even after being taken out on a regular basis). The vet found this most unusual since most dogs do not like to eliminate near their bedding or food. She said it didn't seem to bother our dog and Muffin would "go to town" playing in her mess.   We ended up abandoning the crate method at home because Muffin and the crate would be coated in her elimination.  We started using an exercise pen which has her bedding and food on one side and pee pads/newspaper on the other.  While Muffin will use the pee pads/newspaper for her business, she stills steps in it and plays in it if we are not able to clean up right away.  She evens drags her toys and bed in the soiled area.  Recently, she started tearing up her pee pad/newspaper (late night/very early morning) and doing her business on the tile floor. Then of course,she steps and plays in it.  Muffin is the sweetest dog but the problem with her elimination is very unsanitary.  

1) Do you know what would cause a dog to exhibit this kind of behavior?  Is it something that is common in Bichons?

2) Is there anything we can to to correct the problem?  

3) Do you think this is something she will eventually outgrow?  If so, what can we do in the meantime?

Thank you in advance for your time.
P Mauney  

Answer
All dogs from pet store come from Puppy Mills.  These dogs are taken from there mother and sibblings way too early.  Like 4 weeks of age and shipped accross coutry in horrible conditions.  They usually come from horrible conditions to start with.   Reputable breeds do not allow puppies to leave till 12 weeks of age.

So the puppy mill dogs are dysfuctional.  This is what the problems is..  I don't think there is a way to cure her of this habit.