German Shepherd/Border Collie

Question
I rescued Mac from a shelter when he was a year old.  I worked with him to get him crate trained over the last 6 months.  He is great in it except when I take him out of it, he urinates immediately.  I have moved his crate next to the backdoor.  I open the backdoor first so he can run outside as soon as I open his crate, but he still trickles a bit before he is outside.  Any ideas?

Answer
This is a difficult question.  Have you discussed it with the vet?  How long do you leave him in the crate, and does he always do it even if in the crate for less time?  

When all else fails, try obedience training.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

It could be a submissive thing.  Try talking to him before letting hem out. Tell him what a good dog he is.  Along with success at obedience training, it could build his confidence so he doesn't think he has to urinate to placate you.  

Maybe try throwing a ball out the door before opening the crate.  He could be in such a rush to get out the door after it, to not take time to urinate.  If you get him out the door one way or another without urinating, be sure he knows how happy you are.  Rave about what a good dog he is.   

Thank you for adopting him.  So many nice dogs and so few good homes.  I wish I could give a better answer.  I do all I can to solve problems with adopted dogs.