Housebreaking Difficulty

Question
I have a 6 month old lab mix puppy that is not completely housebroken yet.  He was a rescue puppy that was allowed to urinate in his crate up until he time I rescued him.  I have tried putting him in a crate that is just big enough for him to stand and turn around but that doesn't seem to bother him.  The thing that put me over the edge with him is on a one hour car ride - he decided to get up, look out the window and just squat right there.  Any suggestions?????

Answer
Hi Jan;
Had the dog been fed before the car ride?
It is a good idea no to feed before a car ride, because of their need to eliminate soon after they eat, and also because some dogs are susceptible to motion sickness.
He obviously needed to go then, and he couldn't get out. that is probably why he got up and looked out of the window.
That is sad that he was allowed to go in his crate. that was NOT a good thing for the dog for many reasons, besides making it harder to housebreak him.
I would first do away with that crate.
I see NO earthly reason or use for those crates besides transporting them in a safer manner.
I don't use crates, don't believe they help anything, only harm.
I want mine trained to do what they are supposed to, and not do what they are not supposed to do.
I find it is much easier to train animals to do this than it is to train 2 legged children to.
Dogs only want to please you, and when you show them what you want them to do and do it with love and patience, they will do that, because they only want to please.
It doesn't seem to bother him because he was used to being kept in one.
I find it odd that at a time when zoos start making more natural surroundings for their animals, people start confining dogs more.
I have raised dogs and cats, and some other animals all my life, and I am 72 now.
I often have 3 or more animals living in my house. I have carpeted floors, and I DON'T have any but an occasional accident.
Those accidents have happened since I started fostering dogs for several rescue groups.
I take them and housebreak them, socialize them, and assess their personality to see what kind of home they need to be adopted to.
My dogs actually help me train the rescue dogs.
They are used to guests, and make them at home, allow them to eat out of their bowls and they show them the house rules.
They are a really big help. Newcomers see right away the way we do things here, and fall into step very fast.
I think you need to just start like that is a 6 weeks old puppy, feed him, watch for the signs to get him outside in time to do his business, and be as vigilat s you need to be with a tiny one.
Actually it is harder with one that is a few months old. You have to correct the bad habits as well as teach new, good ones.
A doggy door they can go out on their own is a big help.
If you live in an apartment, there are now litter trays and special litter for dogs, if you don't have a fenced yard where a doog door is possible.
Do you have quite a bit of experience housbrewaking little puppies?
That would be the way I would pricede with this one.
Before a carride, be sure they have an empty stomach and intestinal tract.
Has he been taken in the car a lot?
He could be a bit anxious if he associates car rides with being moved to a new home, and they will urinate when they get excited or nervous.
If you lack experience with training dogs, I would recommend you get into an obedience class at Petsmart or Petco, or Man's Best Friend, and get some more trained help with training this little guy.
Labs are wonderful dogs, and he can be the best comapnion you ever had, more so because you rescued him. He knows you rescued him, and will show that gratitude.
I have found the rescue animals actually try harder to please.
they are very grateful to get a loving hom after they have experienced neglect or abuse.
Charlotte