Retraining the elimination spot

Question
I have two GS a male 5 years and a female 10 months. They have always come in and out as they wanted until now. We have recently built an outdoor kennel for several reasons: She jumped the 5' fence, at times when she goes into heat, and hopefully to have some grass (I seeded) this year. They have been great about spending their outside time in the kennel. They just won't eliminate in it. Its large enough for both play and elimination. I have placed droppings and urine soaked dirt and a urine soaked board for them to have a scent but they look to the back of the yard and give small whines and yelps. My female has had two indoor accidents from holding it too long and my male hadn't relieved himself yesterday (we even tried a special walk but he never goes(stools)while walking and did not go then)I'm hoping he will go this morning. I took the soiling and dogs and placed in kennel and praised and tried to reinstate "Potty". What can I do to make the transition easier. Will he go when he's ready? Can he make himself sick? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Kelly

Answer
You are already doing much of what I would suggest.  Shepherds do seem to have stronger instincts about cleanliness and can go longer without eliminating than other breeds.  You could try shutting them in there and leaving them until they do go, and then praise them for it.  I never heard of a dog harming itself holding it.  Look at all Th. ones shut up in the house all day.

If you are planning on breeding them, I really hope you have made the commitment that it takes to produce quality dogs.  We have far too many people breeding dogs that shouldn't be being bred.