Crate training problem

Question
QUESTION: Hi
We're crate training our 2nd pup. I've started to notic that when she has a accident she now walks right through it. Her crate is large enough for her to stnad straight up and turn around. I'm getting worried that its turning our pup dirty. We've never crate trained our older dog (shes i year) and we've never had this problem. What should we do?

ANSWER: Likely the pup needs more opportunities to go outside. Potty training usually starts with a rewarded out side potty first AM, every two hurs and last thing at night. Also immediately before and after feeding. Going int he crate indicates [usually] the interval between potty trips is not frequent enough.


Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org

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

QUESTION: That would work but we both work during the day. Should i just wait to crate train her till shes older? She's only 4 months. We were thinking of putting them in puppy daycare but we're off to work so early that no one is open. we decided to crate due to her chewing on halls even if theres a ton of toys and her big sister to play with.

never though the 2nd dog would be difficult lol

Answer
The longer you wait, the more trained it is to go in the crate. That makes it harder to untrain the dog later to train it to go outside only. Maybe a friend or neighbor can come over and help?

Also, get some brain toys for the dog, keep the little mind busy thinking and it helps the dog keep its mind off of potty, lengthening the time between potty trips. Toys with food inside that the dog has to figure out to get the treat.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org