cage training

Question
I have a husky/lab mix puppy about 4 months old. I have had her in a cage when Im at work and at bedtime. She continues to poop and pee in the cage. How do I get her to hold it? People have told me to put her nose in it but I just think that's cruel. PLEASE HELP

Answer
When crate training, the most common mistakes are either

1) Crate is too large for the dog (should be no larger than enough for the dog to lay down, turn around and that's about it).

2) Dog is left along too long.  The dog should not be left alone for any more than one hour longer than it is months old and no more than 8 hours at a time.  So, a 3 month old dog shouldn't be left in the crate for more than 4 hours, and a 6 month old dog seven hours.

Do either of these situations seem to apply to you?  If not, write back with feeding schedules and such and that might help as well.