Crate Issues

[Jeremy13Bravo]

Our new DS has been a great add to our family. The only issue that we seem to be having so far is when we crate him. I have started crate training and he will get into his crate on command. I've even been feeding him his meals in the crate with the door open. I also caught him relaxing in it earlier today. But the few times we have had to crate him, when we have left the house, he has wet and even pooped in there. I'm wondering if maybe his crate is too large. It's 4 foot long by 32 inches tall. I've read the crate should be big enough for them to turn around in and lay down in comfortably. I really want to break this habbit before it gets out of hand. Any suggestions? Smaller crate maybe, if so, what size? Thanks for any help.

[LyonsFamily]

I would get a crate divider to make the dog's space smaller rather than buying a new crate. Have you shut the door on the crate with you home?

It's possible that the dog isn't actually potty trained and is just going in the crate because that's where he's at. For that, you would want the divider or small crate and should start and housebreaking 101. You can also try going for a long walk before leaving the house.

[Jeremy13Bravo]

Thanks for your response. When we got him they told us he was housebroken for the most part. I'm betting that he is pretty much potty trained because he's never had an accident in the house the whole time we have had him. We even leave him loose in our bedroom at night with no accidents so far. It's just when we crate him. The other day I was gone for less than 30 minutes and had let him out just prior to leaving and when I got back I heard him barking from outside and when I went in his crate was wet. I'm goind to start the door closed part of the crate training today. I hope that will help.

[Boogies]

Hi Jeremy,

As a military dog, was he kept in a kennel ? If yes, was he expected to potty close to where he slept? If so, then he might just need some more positive reinforcement when he goes outside.

It also could be from separation anxiety. You know your friend deployed but all he knows is that he had a dog daddy and then that person never returned. You might have to set up really short training sessions where you put him in the crate, leave the room, then come right back and take him outside. Don't make a fuss when you leave or when you return. Keep it low key because you want to lower the emotional response.

[Jeremy13Bravo]

I'm guessing it could be separation anxiety. He follows us everywhere we go all over the house. We are never out of his site more than 5 seconds. So much so that we are thinking of chaning his name to Shadow! We will try the really short crate training sessions with us leaving to see if that helps. Thanks for your suggestion.

[Sugars Mom]

He follows us everywhere we go all over the house. We are never out of his site more than 5 seconds. So much so that we are thinking of chaning his name to Shadow!

Typical DS!

[Dutchringgirl]

Yes, I have two that are glued to me LOL. Try putting him in his crate, go outside for 5 minutes, come in, happy dance treats etc, then longer and longer.