I recently adopted a puppy from the SPCA. She's 4 months old and learning quickly. I frequently take her outside and she goes potty every time! I have been happy that there haven't been many accidents inside.
I've been working with her on crate training. Although she's comfortable with the crate (she'll go in and out all day while I'm home), every time I come and she's been inside the crate, she's gone potty in it.
Because I got her from the SPCA, I think that she was used to being in a crate and peeing in the crate (she wasn't taken out frequently to potty). How do I train my puppy not to eliminate in her crate while I'm gone? I don't leave her in there long (maybe an 1-2hrs at the most) and I'm leaving a cushiony blanket in there, too, but she's peeing on the blanket.
What can I do?
I know we had this problem with our puppy and it might have to do with the size of the crate. If it is large enough for her to move around a lot, she may just have too much space. I know for our puppy we put a divider in her crate and gave her a little less space when she was smaller so that if she went, she couldn't get away from it. Dogs don't like to go in their bed/home essentially, but you may be right about it being a challenge since she was in a crate at the SPCA. I really hope that you are able to get some good tips on this - good luck!
There could be atleast four reason why your dog will find it acceptable to go to the bathroom in your crate.
1. Your crate is too big. It should only be big enough for her to get up, turn around a lay down without hitting her head.
2. You have a blanket for her to potty on the then push away from her to lay down. They are suppose to learn that peeing in the crate is uncomfortable for them, so they'll hold it until you let them out to go outside. No one wants to lie in their own pee!
3. You leave her in the crate too long.
4. Medical issues, she could have worms or urine issues. Please consult a vet if you suspect this could be the case.
I forgot what the other reasons were. There is a potty training course available at PetsMart, at my store it is just $15. You don't need to bring your dog and they talk about everything about potty training.
Also remember a different stores results may vary so try to find a trainer that you feel is good. Even listen in on a training session if you can.