Hi I have a 2 year old chocolate lab and 18 month old black lab neither have soiled in their crates ever!! They are still on two meals a day but their last feed is no later than 4.30pm. My black lab always goes out in the garden just before bed time at 11 and he sleeps right through....It may be the food you are using or possibly feeding too much. In August I switched from Beta dry food to James Well Beloved (dry) and I have noticed a huge difference for the better!!

Hi.

Your dog is suffering from separation syndrome. You can try and correct the behaviour by popping your dog in a room on their own for 2 minutes(where they can't see you). Keep quiet and after 2 minutes is up open the door, say hello to your dog but don't tell it off if it has howled. Keep repeating the exercise over and over for as long as it takes, gradually increasing the time that you leave the dog(say from 2 minutes to 5 minutes then 10 minutes and so on) until the dog gradually works out that you will soon be back and no longer feels anxious. If the dog doesn't howl, give lots of praise and a biscuit as a treat. Maybe also try leaving a radio on as houses can become very quiet when everyone goes out and they hear every little noise. Plenty of interesting toys would help, as would a marrow-filled bone or big chew, as your dog would then be more interested in them than you going out!!! Maybe you could leave an old jumper that you've worn but not washed, so it has your scent on it for your dog to snuggle up on as a comforter too. Apply the same methods to the night-time routine too. A good walk before you go out or go to bed will also help wear the dog out, so they are more likely to sleep rather than howl.
I hope you have some success!!!

Kind regards,

Crystal.