Aiming outside the crate

Question
Hi Labman,

My male Rottweiler at 15mo. and in tact, has started to eliminate in his crate during the night.  He is able to aim and spray outside.  I haven't caught him in the act.  He is in the crate for ~6.5hrs during the night? He was Ok at first.  He spend a lot of time outside during the day and gets exercised when I get home.  He is only in the crate during bedtime.  Why would this be a problem now? How do I stop this?

Answer
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/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

A dog's personality doesn't mature until 3 years old.  Until then you can expect challenges to your leadership.  He is letting you know he is a big boy now, too big to be confined in the crate.  Leave him loose at night, and he will claim the whole house the same way.  

I wouldn't count on better leadership on your part, as suggested above, being enough to solve the problem.  You may have to neuter him.