Crate Isn't Working!

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Archived Message

Crate Isn't Working!
by Elaine and Toby

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Crate isn't Working! Help! Toby is almost 10 weeks and I've been crate training him for two weeks. I know he's young, and I will be patient, but he's been wetting in his crate! I know he can hold it for up to 5-6 hours based on what he does overnight, but when I come home from work (at lunch and at night), there's a big wet spot on his blanket. I never leave him for more than 5 hours during the day. I diligently change the blanket, use Lysol in the crate, etc. to remove the smell. Also, since the crate's a little big, I have it turned on end to make his area smaller (about 12" x 12"). I think maybe he hears me coming home and gets excited and can't hold it??!! I'm really frustrated and tired of doing laundry. Of course, I'm being patient, but if I can't rely on the "they won't wet where they sleep" theory, I'm in trouble! Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.

DISCUSSION:

Does your Lysol bottle contain ammonia ? If yes don't use it. Ammonia attracts them to pee on that place.
Janine

Elaine, Toby is only 10 weeks. Be patient. Buster was 4 months old before he started holding it all day. He wasn't crate trained but paper trained. I put him in our big master bath during the day with newspapers. He did use them and it saves on laundry. Now he holds it from 6am until 5pm when I get home. I still leave the newspaper down just in case. He does get excited when I get home and dribbles a little on the floor but the vet says that's natural. Have patience.
Libby & Buster

It is obvious that Toby is just trying to prove to you that every rule has its exception:) Ten weeks is really awfully young and that's part of the problem. At night he probably hasn't eaten or drank for a while and will be able to hold it longer than in the day... so don't let that fool you. The best suggestion I can think of is try using a larger confinement area so that you have room for his sleeping area and separate room for his potty area (preferably papered). You could eave the crate (after thorough cleaning with something designed for eliminating pet odors) open in a small room (like the bathroom) with papers or wee wew pads (Puppy John maybe?) outside the crate. Or maybe just stop turning it on end.. put the blanket on one side and paper on the other side. I think if Toby had a choice, he would choose to do his business elsewhere.
Aimee

I agree with everyone that perhaps you should put your pup in a larger area with wee pads, he's awfully young and everything will take time and patience.

However, don't use Lysol to clean the crate or his bedding. A very simple sanitizer is a mild bleach and water solution (2T added to a quart spray bottle) just spray it down and wipe it off. After this sits and airs for a bit, spray with a vinegar and water csolution (same mix - just vinegar instead of bleach) The bleach kills the germs and the vinegar neutralizes the odors. Also use vinegar in the rinse cycle when you wach his bedding.
Leslie R

RE: Crate won't work He's only 10 weeks! You're doing okay by making space smaller. As he gets older, his spincther muscles will allow him to hold for longer periods. Hang in there. If you suspect he is getting excited hearing you return, then try this: It's hard on you, though, at first!! When you return, don't say anything (!!) and don't make eye contact. Immediately pick up (since he's only 10 weeks old) and take to potty area. After he's done, LOTS of kisses and huggies!! One of mine did this (submissive) and she was a problem until we got it figured out. Sometimes at 5 1/2, we still have to be careful. Submisive urination isn't a housebreaking problem, but will become one if it isn't handled properly. There's nothing like learning from others and I think most of the advice you're getting from everyone is sound. Be patient!
anne

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