Crate Training

[MisssAshby]

I'm about to lose my mind with our 10 month old dachshund.

We have been working on crate training with her since we brought her home (as a young puppy). She was in a plastic type crate and hated it (she would howl, bark, etc) because she couldn't see out of the sides. We got a wire crate and she is much better about being quiet but still cries, barks, etc. When she makes noise we ignore her and let her carry on as I know giving her attention only makes it worse.

My bigger problem is that she is using the bathroom in her crate. Her plastic crate was too big, so I knew that was part of the problem. Her wire crate it also too big, but we have a divider in it and she has ONLY enough room to lay down, and turn around. She is doing better but will still potty in it. Her new thing is sticking her butt to the side of the crate and pooping outside of her crate. Also, if her crate is left open (or the other crate for the other dogs) she will go get inside the crate and poop/pee instead of asking to be let outside.

HELP! I've never had this type of trouble potty training/crate training a dog.

Thanks,

-Ashley

 

[lizzybeth727]

This might help:

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78983

 

[MisssAshby]

I've tried all those and they help some but it has not totally stopped her from going in her crate.

The article mentioned in there is about using potty pads -- that is something I'm not willing to do.

 

[lizzybeth727]

Ok, first thing I'd do is make sure that all crate doors are closed at all times. Preventing accidents is extremely important.

Next I'd get a board or something you can put on the outside of the crate so that when she tries to poop outside the crate, it will keep the poop in the crate. I'm thinking just a piece of wood a few inches high, so it doesn't block her view too much.

Then start feeding her meals in the crate. If you're already doing this, then scatter the food on the floor of the crate, so she eats in the crate without a bowl.

When she does potty in the crate, does she lay in it? If not, it's too big, and/or you should take out all the blankets and anything else in the crate (except maybe a chew toy), so that there's nothing soaking up the pee.

Let us know how this goes!