Discovering that your dog has been using the space under your bed as their personal bathroom is a bewildering and unpleasant surprise, to say the least. You’ve likely found yourself wondering, “Why does my dog poop under my bed?” and more importantly, “How can I stop this behavior?”

In this article, we will address the reasons that might prompt your dog to engage in this undesirable habit, whether it’s your adult dog or a new puppy. We’ll also guide you through the steps to prevent this behavior and provide tips on how to clean up effectively.

Are you ready to reclaim the cleanliness of your bedroom? Let’s jump into the solutions below!

How to Stop Dog From Pooping Under Bed

Here’s how to stop your dog pooping under your bed:

Establish a Bathroom Routine

The first step is to establish a regular bathroom routine for your dog. Consistency is key here. You should make sure to take your dog out for bathroom breaks at the same times each day. This helps your dog understand when and where it’s appropriate to go. Over time, this can significantly reduce instances of your dog pooping under the bed.

But, a consistent bathroom routine is not just about the timing. You should also take your dog to the same spot each time. Dogs rely heavily on their strong sense of smell, and by consistently taking them to the same spot, you can reinforce the idea that this is their designated bathroom area.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is another effective strategy. This involves rewarding your dog for good behavior, such as going to the bathroom in the correct place. Rewards could be treats, praise, or even a favorite toy.

To successfully employ positive reinforcement, you need to reward your dog immediately after they’ve gone to the bathroom in the correct spot. This helps them associate the action with the reward. However, it’s also important to remain patient during this process. Changes in behavior can take time, so consistent and continual reinforcement is key.

Limit Access to the Under-Bed Space

Lastly, you might want to consider physically blocking off the space under your bed. This can be done by using pet gates or by storing items underneath your bed. Limiting access under the bed can help your deter them but needs to be done in addition to other methods.

But while they’ll get your dog to stop pooping under the bed, it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So, how do I make this improvement last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog poops under the bed and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog pooping under the bed ever again!

Dog Pooping Under Bed: How to Clean

Cleaning up after a dog who has pooped under the bed can be a challenge due to the limited space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the mess effectively:

1. Remove the Waste: First things first, you need to remove the poop. Using a dustpan or a poop bag turned inside out over your hand, carefully scoop up the waste.
2. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners are great for breaking down the organic material in pet waste. Spray the affected area under the bed with the cleaner and let it sit for the recommended time on the product label.
3. Blot the Area: After the cleaner has had time to work, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the cleaner and any remaining mess. Don’t rub, as this can push the waste further into the carpet or fabric.
4. Allow to Dry: Let the area dry naturally. This can take a few hours or even a day depending on the material and how much cleaner was used.
5. Check for Residual Odors: Once dry, check for any remaining odors. If the smell persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Remember, the quicker you can clean up after an accident, the better, as this can prevent stains and odors from setting in. And, of course, it’s always best to prevent it in the first place. Go back to the first section now where we’ll teach you exactly how you can do that. Otherwise, you may soon also find your dog pooping on your bed, pooping in the closet, or pooping in bedrooms all over the house.

Why Do Dogs Poop Under the Bed?

If your dog is pooping under the bed, it could be due to a variety of reasons such as anxiety, a need for privacy, or a lack of proper house training. This behavior could also indicate a medical issue, especially if it’s a new behavior for your dog.

Here are a few more reasons why your dog might be pooping under the bed:

1. Anxiety: Dogs can sometimes poop in hidden places like under the bed when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This can be a response to changes in the environment, loud noises, or separation from their owners.
2. Privacy: Some dogs prefer to do their business in private. If the house is always bustling with activity, your dog might retreat under the bed to poop in peace.
3. Medical issues: Certain medical conditions can lead to a loss of bowel control. If your dog has suddenly started pooping under the bed, it’s worth consulting with a vet to rule out any potential health problems.

If your dog is consistently pooping under the bed, it’s obviously important to address the issue. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll explain exactly how you can stop this behavior, while also taking care of what was causing it to begin with.

Remember, punishment is not an effective solution for this issue, and could potentially make the problem worse. Instead, try to understand the underlying cause of the behavior and address it in a compassionate and patient manner.

Dog Keeps Pooping Under Bed at Night

If your dog keeps pooping under the bed at night, it could be a sign of a few potential issues, including a medical condition, anxiety, or an insufficient bathroom schedule. Nighttime can be particularly challenging for some dogs, especially puppies and older dogs.

Here’s a deeper dive into why your dog might be pooping under the bed at night:

1. Medical issues: Conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, or age-related incontinence can cause a dog to lose control of their bowel movements, especially during rest times like at night.
2. Anxiety: If your dog is stressed or anxious, they might poop under the bed at night when they feel more vulnerable (peeing under the bed at night is also possible). This can be related to separation anxiety or fear of noises like thunderstorms.
3. Inadequate bathroom schedule: If your dog doesn’t get enough opportunities to relieve themselves before bedtime, they might be forced to poop under the bed.

Addressing this issue will depend on identifying the root cause. If you go back to the first section of this article now, we’ll explain how you can do that.

Puppy Poops Under Bed: What to Do

If your puppy poops under the bed, it can be a frustrating and confusing situation. Don’t worry, though, this is a common issue that many pet owners face. Let’s discuss some strategies to address this behavior.

Understand the Cause

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand why your puppy is choosing to eliminate under the bed. Puppies might choose this hidden spot due to fear or anxiety, or because they haven’t fully understood house-training guidelines.

Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. Establish a consistent feeding and bathroom schedule to help your puppy understand when and where they should be doing their business. Regular walks and playtime can also stimulate bowel movements, helping to ensure they’re doing their business outside rather than under your bed.

Positive Reinforcement

Train your puppy using positive reinforcement methods. Whenever they poop in the right place, reward them with treats, praise, or a favorite toy. This will help them understand that going in the right place leads to good things.

Limit Access

In the short term, you can consider blocking access to under the bed. This could involve using baby gates, or placing storage boxes under the bed. By removing the option, you can help guide your puppy towards more appropriate bathroom locations.

Consult with a Vet

If your puppy suddenly starts pooping under the bed, or if this behavior is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet. There could be a medical reason behind the change in their bathroom habits.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. With the right approach, you can successfully guide your puppy towards better bathroom habits. Go back to the first section of this article now and we’ll teach you how to handle this.

I’m sure you’re eager to stop your dog from pooping under the bed as well as the other behavioral issues you’re likely experiencing, so I’ll let you get started on things. Good luck, and thanks for reading this article “Why Does My Dog Poop Under My Bed? (+ How to Stop It!)”