Crate Training Problem...

[Kristina]

Um... so I tried doing this crate training thing and for a while, it was working. When my pup needed to go, he'd whine and whatnots and I'd wait til he settled down, then I'd take him outside to do his business. But here's the problem-

He urinates well however I've come to notice he only does it in one spot and for some reason, he never poos when I take him out. I'd see him sniff on the ground and then it'd be 10 minutes in where he does nothing but sniff and try to hop around so I'd figure he's just messing with me. I bring him in and put him back in his crate. He left presents in the crate once and on the floor once. Both times, he cried to get out. Why is it when I do bring him out, he doesn't go?

Anyway, back to the crate problem, early in the mornings... like 12 am, he'd urinate and I'd bring him back in. At that hour, I'm cranky, tired, and really just want the puppy to head back to bed as I do. . . just he doesn't feel the same way I do.

I tried feeding him- doing that food lure make the crate a happy place kind of thing but- not working.

[AjaBrown]

Well I'd hate to break this to you but those are the joys of having a puppy. My husband slept on the couch for 3 months and almost every hour the puppy would cry to go the bathroom so he would get up to let the puppy out. If he does poo on the floor you have to catch him in the act because if you yell at him when the poo is there he won't know what he did wrong. If he does poo and you catch him say "No" and put him outside to finish. When we go to work for my Pom I use a training pad but lately she has held it. The puppy should be put outside to go to the bathroom, after he eats, after he plays, after he wakes up and everyhour so the puppy gets the picture. But trust me once he gets the idea of pooing and peeing are for outside it is totally worth it! (The joys of the puppy that is). Hope that helps!

[_Lisa_]

Well I'd hate to break this to you but those are the joys of having a puppy. My husband slept on the couch for 3 months and almost every hour the puppy would cry to go the bathroom so he would get up to let the puppy out. If he does poo on the floor you have to catch him in the act because if you yell at him when the poo is there he won't know what he did wrong. If he does poo and you catch him say "No" and put him outside to finish. When we go to work for my Pom I use a training pad but lately she has held it. The puppy should be put outside to go to the bathroom, after he eats, after he plays, after he wakes up and everyhour so the puppy gets the picture. But trust me once he gets the idea of pooing and peeing are for outside it is totally worth it! (The joys of the puppy that is). Hope that helps!


I agree with Aja! Just be consistent with your schedule & practices. :) It could take months before he comes around.

[nlisac]

I've definatly found that consistancy is the key with puppies, and since you've started taking him out through the night, you'll have to continue for a while, but try this; if he normally goes out every hour- after a week increase it to an hour and a half for the next week or two, then to 2 hours and so on. And in the meantime, don't give in- if you're on the 2 hour wait and he whines at an hour and a half, try to ignore it until 2 hours. How old is the puppy? I think my puppy was around 5 or 6 months old when she could go a full 8 hour night- in her crate (beside my bed). And now if she whines early in the morning, I ignore her and she stops and goes back to sleep. Good luck- I know, it gets so frustrating at times, but it WILL get better.

[allforpetz]

We agree that consistency is the key. You have to establish a very regular routine. For example, take him out after every meal, and pick up his dish when he is done, even if there is food left. It can be difficult, but you have to be as consistent as possible. Then, when you take him outside, the instant he starts to "poo", say "Go Poo", or whatever term you use, and he will get the connection. Then heap the praise on him when he is done. He will soon realize that poo outside good, poo inside bad! Good Luck, and enjoy that puppy!!!

Tom and Vicky
All for PETZ
www.allforpetz.com

[Kristina]

Hehe. Last night my dog was fine- slept all through the night and was quiet when awake :) I think it was only yesterday he woke up early since I think we slept early. Anyway, my schedule for the dog is potty before eating and potty 30 minutes after eating. My potty command: "Make Nasty!" - He's got that down with the urinating and he doesn't go in one spot no more, thank god, but I still haven't seen him go poo so I haven't established a command for that as of yet. Could I just use the same command? -

In the day, I have school so i have to set him outside otherwise my dad would bring him in and leave a potty pad on the floor rather than watch when he needs to go. I don't want my pup to learn it's okay to go in the house. I was told he left some doo doo on the side of the house on concrete.

I have another question. My parents keep bothering me and getting mad thinking I'm not taking care of the dog right at all when it comes to feeding. From all I read and what people have said, It's best to keep to a schedule but my parents said that the dog needs a lot of water, basically free-feed it through the day to keep it hydrated. Am I doing that right?

[_Lisa_]

I'd leave the water out all day, but not the food.

And be open to changing your schedule around for potty times after he eats. My dog won't potty until almost an hour or two after she eats! And she only poops twice a day really-once after each time she eats. Unless we're taking her out on a walk or to the dog park she really only goes outside to potty 3 times a day. Once after she eats in the morning, once in the middle of the day, and once before bed (after her dinner.) In reality she goes out much more than that for walks, but in bad weather she only goes out for the essentials! LOL :)

[allforpetz]

We agree with Lisa, you must keep fresh water out at all times. This poor dog is going to be very confused if you and your parents can't come to an agreement on how to train and take care of him.

[NewfieGrl]

I have another question. My parents keep bothering me and getting mad thinking I'm not taking care of the dog right at all when it comes to feeding. From all I read and what people have said, It's best to keep to a schedule but my parents said that the dog needs a lot of water, basically free-feed it through the day to keep it hydrated. Am I doing that right?

Hi,
I agree with the above posters. It's best to keep on a feeding schedule. Both of the holistic vets that I consult with have stressed that it's healthier for the dogs digestive system to use scheduled feedings. This gives their digestive system the ability to go through the digestive process.
Good luck.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.