Pooping in house

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2 and 1/2 year old cocker. She will not quit pooping in the house. I have a doggy door for her and a big fenced in back yard. She only does this when I am not looking. I somewhat crate her when I am at work. I say this because she still has access to go out the doggy door but she can only come back in the house to get in her crate and/or eat and drink. I work 12 hour shifts and there is no one that can help me out. I am at my wits end. I love her but I can't continue to allow her to mess up my house. HELP!

ANSWER: I need more information.  If I'm reading this right - she can go in and out when you're gone so it's when you're at home with her this happens?

How long are her daily walks?  When does she get fed?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, you are correct... she has the capability to come and go as she pleases all the time. I have noticed that the only times she will poop in the house is when I am sleeping or if I happen to be in the front yard for a while working. She NEVER does this with me in the room with her. She has food available from the beginning of the morning up until she finishes her daily meal. She is a finicky eater and I tried for several months when I first got her (as a 6 week old puppy) to feed her and let her eat then take it away. I gave up on this idea when she once went 3 days without eating. I also don't have time or energy to walk her everyday. I work 12 hour shifts and I have an hour drive to and from work. She gets out in the yard during the day and plays with the neighbors dogs running the fence and such and I play catch with her inside when I get home from work for 30-45 mins. I have had several people tell me that she is only continuing this behavior because I don't walk her everyday and such but I know plenty of people that I work with that have pets and few of them have the same problem I am having.

Answer
First of all, I totally disagree with free feeding.  It causes all sorts of problems.  Exactly what are you feeding her?  It's hard to believe you let her go 3 whole days because she didn't like the food...most would have caved far quicker :)...but if you're feeding supermarket garbage this can be a huge part of the problem.

Stop playing catch inside and get her OUT..dogs need to "travel" and need the stimulation of the "walk" where they meet/greet/sniff, etc.  This has to happen and the people who are telling you this is a big part of the problem are correct.

You need to "take" her out and make SURE she's gone to the bathroom...praise & reward.  A TON of behavioral issues are due to boredom and pent up energy.  True and irrefutable.  So instead of the inside "play" - get her out for a walk.  Good for both of you.
Delores