[substeps] Your dog's crate should be just big enough for him to stand up and turn around in and lie down with his legs straight. Anything bigger might make him tempted to use the crate as a bathroom.
[header] How to prevent a dog from defecating in its crate [title] Make sure the crate is the right size. [step] Oftentimes, dogs will defecate in their crate if it's too big. If the crate is large enough that your dog can comfortably poop in a corner he might choose to go in his crate rather than wait to be let out.