Crate Urine

Question
QUESTION:   I have had my new dog now for about 3 months(Wheaten Terrier). At first I didnt notice it but then after cleaning the crate I noticed that she pees on it. I also have another little dog that is well house broken and never goes in the house. I have both dogs on a strict food schedule and they are takin outside 4 times daily and I also put them in the yard when I am home to play and have outside time. Other than peeing in the crate she is almost ok. When I 1st got her I had a major problem with her but now shes ok around teh house except when in the crate. She is 1 year old. I usually go to bed late and I wake up early most of the time. What can I do to stop her from doing this..

ANSWER: Once a dog has learned to be dirty in its crate there isn't a lot one can do about it.

First I would make sure that she doesn't have a physical problem such as a bladder infection or stones. There is always a chance that something is going on there.

Cut off all her water by 8 PM and make sure she goes when she is put outside that last time at night. Watch for her trying to tank up on water at bedtime; I have some here that try to do that right before bed when I am in the bathroom (water bucket is in there). However, if you pick everything up, that shouldn't be a problem.

The other option is to put her in a smaller crate so that she has little room to move around in it; that may be enough to get her to stop urinating in there.... but I would do the other two things before that one.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  I was thinking of limiting her crate time alot. Maybe instead of the crate at night just tie her in the kitchen or something like that . She really uses teh crate to much and uses it more than I would like her to. Shes always in there and that kind of bothers me cause I would like her to spent more time with me and  my other dog....Does that sound ok?

Answer
Dogs are denning creatures, and some do like their crates (dens) a LOT. Not letting her use her crate when she wants to be in there could be stressful for her and cause more problems than you currently have.

I could see putting up a baby gate and letting her be loose in the kitchen at night with her open crate in there so that she could go in and out, but not tying her up. That also could cause a lot of problems (not to mention strangulation if you can't hear her if she gets in trouble).

If you want her to spend more time with you, put her leash on her and attach it to your belt, etc. and have it so that she must go wherever you must go. You will get a lot more interaction from her that way. Also start walking her more and taking her places (just you and her), and you will find that she really will start bonding more with you. Well, don't neglect the other one at her expense; take him out with the two of you, too.