Puppy pees in crate?

Question

We recently got 2 3-month old siberian husky puppies, bro and sis, and are in the process of crate training. House breaking is going ok, maybe about an accident a day between the 2 of them. They make it overnight in the crate without having to go potty, but sometimes we check on them and let them out quickly anyway.

Problem is that the male sometimes goes potty in his crate during the day. We take them out several times before they go into the crates for any period of time, 2hrs, 4hrs, and he still goes. Yet some days he makes it 6hrs no problem. Can he really not hold it or is it some sort of behavioral thing? It makes going home frustrating knowing that we have to clean him up because he peed and then stepped in it. The female holds it in her crate just fine. Oh, and he has a smaller crate than his sister.

Any Suggestions or ideas? We have had them for almost 3 weeks.

Answer 1

i do know what you're talking about...my pup is 9 mos. now and i had that same problem. their bladders aren't developed enough to hold it. i would say around 5-6 mos. he should get better. i don't know if it's a male thing or not but mine is a male. it was frustrating to wash the cage and him everyday. give him a while before you think it's a behavorial thing. he might be scared or sad that you are gone and eventually they get used to being in there.

the reason why he may hold it for hours and/or overnight is because the spend most of the day/night sleeping.

Answer 2

I feel your pain. I have 2 pound puppies that are 5 months old and have dealt with this some. As they get older they can definitely hold it longer. I've heard limiting their water intake before crating but I didn't do that. Mine are now 95% at holding it during the day and night in the crate - but only 75% on housetraining. It is frustrating but they get better each week. I also crate mine together and have since they were 5 weeks and rescued from the shelter. I think it helps with separation anxiety.

Answer 3

You don't mention how often you are letting him out? Puppies cannot hold their urine as well as an adult dog and often need to be taken outside more frequently. Nine weeks old is pretty young and two weeks of ownership isn't that long - if you know what I mean. I would just be very sure to let him out regularly to the yard, using the same area of the yard each time to encourage going to the bathroom and not playing, and staying with him to offer generous praise once he takes care of his business (outside). I used an "outside" schedule of before crating, every few hours, when taken out of the crate, before and after playing with and whenever my dogs have looked anxious or unsettled. It just took a lot of patience and some time. When he urinates in the crate, remove the soiled materials, clean it well to remove any scent and clean him up without making a big deal of it. If you scold him in some way (unless you catch him in the act), he will have no idea why he is in trouble and may learn to associate the crate with being discipline instead of it being his special place. Just a thought - be happy he is only messing up the crate and not your floors! Enjoy your puppy!

Answer 4

Puppys have to grow up just like little kids. They have to be told over and over.
I hope you know that all dogs need (should have) human companionship minimum of every 4 hours. Especially puppies. Their bodies have no "routine" yet. So they must go outside more. Also - if the male is a big eater - usually they are more than a female - this will have a lot to do with potty practices.

Answer 5

Like children, puppies have a learning curve too.

At 2-3 months old the ave. is 2-3 hrs. It's one hour for each month old they are. Six hrs is difficult at this stage and yet he does it sometimes. His bladder will grow...but continue to get them out as often as possible.

I would also recommend "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan (Dog Whisperer from the National Geographic Channel) Great read and lots of AWESOME information!

Best wishes!

Answer 6

The crate may be to big for the puppy. A dog by nature will not soil where it's sleeps. Make sure there is only enough room for the pup to stand up, stretch, and make a complete circle. It's not cruel, it's their "den". It will work. Have patience with the little guys, they are still babies, and bladders are still developing, they will learn in time.

Answer 7

My puppy did this for a while too. But now when we take him outside before bed or before we leave, me make sure he goes potty. Sometimes he screws around too much outside but we lay the smack down and say "go potty" 3 or 4 hundred times. He's getting better. He now only does it maybe once a week. Of course he's 8 months old now, so I think maturity has something to do with it.

Answer 8

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future. Learn here https://tr.im/zLXs2

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Step 1 : Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Step 2 : Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Step 3 : Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Answer 9

The crate should only be big enough for him to turn around in. If it is already that small, I'd check with the vet- may be separation anxiety.

Answer 10

the crate might be too big for them it should be just big enough for them to get in, stand up, turn around, and lie down in. if you bought a big crate so you wont have to buy another one when they get older, buy a divider that way they wont have room to go potty in.