Jack/Rat Using Bathroom in Crate

Question
We have a jack russel/rat terrier mix, female, 2 1/2 years old. We got her as a pup. She was very easy to house train. We crate her during the day while at work/school. She goes in crate at 8:00 and comes out at 3:00. We have never had trouble with her going in cage. Last 3 days she has pooped in cage. Not diarrhea, normal form, but alot! We do have a new puppy, but we have had him since July, no problem until now. She is due to go into heat soon. Any ideas as to what is going on? Should we correct her for this and how?

Answer
Hi Tonya,

Since you say your Jack Russell/Rat Terrier X has been housetrained up until now, and the only variables that I can read are a) that you have a new puppy and b) that your Jack/Rat X is pooping a LOT, this is what I suspect.  I suspect that your Jack/Rat X is eating your puppy's food without your knowing, thereby adding more calories and perhaps more protein and bulk to her diet!  Now, a puppy going into heat may cause changes in the behaviour of other dogs in the home, particularly if the other dogs are not spayed or neutered, but you didn't mention whether your 2-1/2 y.o. old is spayed or not.  

I wouldn't correct the dog, and it would be impossible to do so anyway unless you caught her in the act.  What I would do is make sure that she's not eating the pup's food (which would also affect the pup's nutrition) and see how it goes from there.  

Also, for the adolescent that's going into heat soon - I hope you are planning on getting that dog spayed soon!

I would appreciate your providing me with an update if this licks (no pun intended, since we're talking about dogs!) the problem!

Best regards,
Madeline, NY-NJDogTrainer Expert