Abby

Question
D-Lee
I have a 5-year-old dog named Abby. I just got her a few weeks ago. She is a Labrador and Golden Retriever mix. She came from a home with a doggy door so she never had to hold her bladder. We can't get a doggy door because of the abundance of wildlife in our area. She has been leaving us "presents" every night in the same spot for the last few weeks. I was wondering if you have any advise for me as to how i should train my dog to not use the bathroom inside. Thanks.
Amanda Hacker

Answer
Hello Amanda and thank you for your question,

Congrats on your new dog firstly.

Crate her during the night, after you've let her out to go one last time crate her, crating isnt crule I crate my dogs when I'm working so I still have a house to come home to lol. Crate are also used to potty train puppies.. dogs are replused by gonig where they sleep so the dog is more inclined to hold it rather then go in its bed. Start by getting her used to teh crate in the day time... lock her in for a few minutes and leave come back tell her shes a good girl and give her a treat. it helps if the crate has a soft bed in it and a favorite toy or chew as well, you can place the crate anywehre out of a draft or away from a hot window or vent... the lving room corner/storage room or bedroom are good places, if you are willingto a nd have room for the crate in your room she'll be less likely to keep you up if she dislikes the crate very much. I hope this helps if you need anymore infor feel free to ask ,

oh I almost forgot the crate must be large enough for the dog to turn without crumpling intwo.... not strainig to turn around and hitting the sides. ..a 36/48 inch crate is best... if shes larger sized fpr the m,ix go for the 48 thats what my 70 pound lab has and it is very spacus.