After two months of crate training my dog is still having "accidents", even right after coming back from walks?

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Resolved Question

After two months of crate training my dog is still having "accidents", even right after coming back from walks?

How or what can I do so that he learns to alert me that he has to go outside? He has no problem going outside and knows that it is okay, but for some reason he still pees inside. He even has "accidents" after we come back from walks where he has gone potty two and three times(when he's had a lot of water). Anyone have any ideas or things that have worked for them?

Posted 299 days ago

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Cricket	Best Answer I like to teach dogs to ring a bell at the door as a signal that they need to go out to potty. It helps create clear communication. But there are many reasons your dog may be having accidents. I always want to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infection or other physical issue, so a visit to the vet may be a good idea. Then, just because a dog knows to potty outside doesn't necessarily mean they know not to potty inside. When doing any kind of potty training, the dog MUST be constantly supervised. Many people are sloppy with that and slow down or sabotage their training efforts. I'm assuming your crate training is going well in that the dog is not soiling the crate. But just because they know to keep the crate clean doesn't mean they view the whole house as part of their "den" and something they should keep clean, like the crate. In order for them to learn this they need to be given freedom in the house very gradually. This may start with an X-pen attached to the crate or the room the crate is in. When the dog can keep that space clean for several hours, then you add a little more space. Small dogs are notoriously difficult to house train and I think a major factor in that is that they are given too much freedom too soon and inadequate supervision. That's because they are so small. So a normal room for a Lab pup may seem like a huge room to a Shih Tzu. Too much freedom, too soon. Plus, those little ones are challenging to supervise. They are fast and low to the ground. It takes extra effort to keep your eyes on them at all time. It helps to block access to hidden spots or places where they can duck around a corner out of sight. So back to the basics... make sure your dog is healthy, teach him how to alert you that he needs to go potty, supervise him closely any time he is out of his crate or other safe confinement space, confine him if you can't supervise him, and make sure his access to other areas of the house is earned gradually. Cricket Mara www.pawsitivedog.com Posted 270 days ago ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Report Abuse

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Answers (3)

Cricket

I like to teach dogs to ring a bell at the door as a signal that they need to go out to potty. It helps create clear communication. But there are many reasons your dog may be having accidents. I always want to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infection or other physical issue, so a visit to the vet may be a good idea. Then, just because a dog knows to potty outside doesn't necessarily mean they know not to potty inside. When doing any kind of potty training, the dog MUST be constantly supervised. Many people are sloppy with that and slow down or sabotage their training efforts.

I'm assuming your crate training is going well in that the dog is not soiling the crate. But just because they know to keep the crate clean doesn't mean they view the whole house as part of their "den" and something they should keep clean, like the crate. In order for them to learn this they need to be given freedom in the house very gradually. This may start with an X-pen attached to the crate or the room the crate is in. When the dog can keep that space clean for several hours, then you add a little more space.

Small dogs are notoriously difficult to house train and I think a major factor in that is that they are given too much freedom too soon and inadequate supervision. That's because they are so small. So a normal room for a Lab pup may seem like a huge room to a Shih Tzu. Too much freedom, too soon. Plus, those little ones are challenging to supervise. They are fast and low to the ground. It takes extra effort to keep your eyes on them at all time. It helps to block access to hidden spots or places where they can duck around a corner out of sight.

So back to the basics... make sure your dog is healthy, teach him how to alert you that he needs to go potty, supervise him closely any time he is out of his crate or other safe confinement space, confine him if you can't supervise him, and make sure his access to other areas of the house is earned gradually.

Cricket Mara
www.pawsitivedog.com

270 days ago

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tyler1234

Well i know my dog is very distracted on walks and forgets to go. So now after a walk i take him to his normal potty area and hang out for a few minutes off leash and he will finally go.

I didn't do anything in particular, my dog just started going to the door and barking. but i think he continued to do it because every time he took action he got a reaction (opening the door)

299 days ago

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tyler1234

Okay, here are a few suggestions. I have had show quality, rescued from shelters,and adopted dogs.
Crate training is the absolute best. Dogs get excited when they are first let out of the crate or when you get home. Certain breeds like Cockers can have big issues with wetting because of this. Dogs go to where they previously marked by scent. If the area was not cleaned with an ENZYME based cleaner such as in the Outright product line, then there is scent still in that area. If it is a random area then that would be something different. They always smell before they go unless it is the overwhemingly happy pee on the floor puppy type behavior. When indoors and away I have been giving them ice cubes with a little water and that seems to be a big improvement in some of the dogs I adopted. If this continues go to a breed specific book and speak to a dog trainer or veternarian near you.

299 days ago

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