crate training

Annie · 06-22-2010, 01:16 AM

So, I bought a puppy from someone here in town. They tell me they are selling her because the husband is allergic to her. She is a Beagle X Boston Terrier. Absolutely adorable. They tell me she is crate trained. Sleeps all night. GREAT!! Except one small thing the didn't tell me...they taught her to stay in her crate, they didn't teach her NOT to pee in it! How on earth can I teach this puppy how to stop peeing in her crate. I have now taken all bedding and the stuffie she came with and tossed them. Bleached it out so it doesn't smell as much. She goes out to pee before I go to bed and doesn't make a peep until 530. She has had a few accidents in the house due to me having to be out too long. Her crate isn't too big. She can turn around in it and stretch out. Should I try smaller for a bit, see if that helps. I thought I could try with no bedding so she would actually have to get wet, but I don't know if that would work and it would be gross! Any advice out there? I have an appointment at the vet on friday and will see what they say. I have never had to deal with this! As it turns out, these people had never had a pet before. My guess is that they locked her up for so long she HAD to pee. STUPID PEOPLE!!!!

twpArwen · 06-22-2010, 09:18 AM

Oh that is too bad. I was always taught that the crate worked because of the dog's natural instinct not to mess in its sleeping place. But I guess that doesn't work if you leave the poor thing so long it has no choice but to go.

The only thing I can think is to make sure she just doesn't have the chance to pee in the crate or in the house. Give her chances to go outside often enough that she never feels the need to pee inside. This is what I do with my fosters because they don't know how to tell me when they want out. When they first arrive we go outside really often, like every hour, and they get praised like crazy for peeing outside. Trying to make the association that peeing outside is great! Before I have to leave them crated we go for a long enough walk that they will have multiple pees so I know they are "empty" and then I feel okay leaving them. With a new dog I don't expect them to hold it for an entire work day, I will come at lunch for another walk. Then I gradually shift them to the pee schedule I want and I try to stick to that schedule all the time.

Heidi · 06-22-2010, 11:28 AM

Yeah that is unusual. Typically dogs don't want to mess in their crate. Like Jenn said, taking her out lots and tons of praise will help. I think I'd be inclined to get up in the middle of the night to take her out for a pee. Get her used to the idea of peeing outside of the crate and that it's a great thing. As she gets the idea you can extend the length of her time overnight in the crate.

True North · 06-22-2010, 11:56 AM

Is this dog a pet store dog? It is very difficult to break the habit of messing in their crates or the house for pet store dogs. They have no choice but to go in their "den" because they are almost never taken out of their display at pet stores. My sister had a helluva time house breaking her pug x boston terrier because of this. The only advice I have is to talk to a professional trainer and Jenn and Heidi's advice are both good. Good luck!

Annie · 06-22-2010, 07:26 PM

No, not a pet store dog. She had a good night last night. I think I will move her crateinto my room. I think we just aren't hearing her. I was awake at 4 this morning and heard her. Out we went. I also made it home today at lunch. NO MISTAKES AT ALL TODAY!!! Phew! Hopefully it will keep going!

CayceV · 06-22-2010, 11:06 PM

How old is the puppy?

Annie · 06-23-2010, 08:30 AM

Puppy is five months old. I will continue with coming home at lunch every day. It iwll give me an excuse to actually leave work. I tend to get caught up in being busy and don't leave or even take my break some days! She did great last night too. Maybe I am on to something here! LOL