April 19, 2011
We have a 4 month old lab/GSD mix. We can’t seem to get him house trained. What should we do?
Full Question:
We have a GS/Lab mix puppy who is 4 months old. We got him at the local animal shelter a month ago. We are having big problems with him at night. We have used a crate from day one when we leave during the day and for bedtime. I am home all day, so he doesn't need to be in the crate during daytime hours.We started out having the crate in our bedroom because there just wasn't room for it anywhere else (we didn't want to use the garage). He was fine in the crate, except he was wanting to go outside every 2-3 hours -- even when we stopped the water intake at 6:30 and made sure he relieved himself several times before bed! So, last week we moved his crate to the basement. Well, he now barks most of the night and still pees in his crate! The blankets are soaked in the morning!
I have stopped giving him food and water after 7:00 pm and I make sure he pees 2-3 times before retiring for the night. He panics when I put him in the crate! We don't force him in there, but he just hates it!
What do I do? I am at a total loss. At 4+ months, I would think that he would be able to handle the crate at night and keep from peeing in it!
Thank you,
Laurie
Cindy's Answer:
The dog probably has weak nerves, this is why he stresses out so bad. The barking causes him to pee. Rather than lay quiet he is getting all this exercise (barking) that is why he pees.
I would leave him in the crate day and night until he learns to accept it. He can come out to go outside, go for walks and eat, but other than that he is in the crate. It may take awhile but he will get used to the crate. Feed him in the crate too.
Once the dog learns that his life is in the crate, he will accept it. Your "will" must be stronger than his or he wins. I would also recommend a couple of videos:
* Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months
* Basic Dog Obedience
I would leave him in the crate day and night until he learns to accept it. He can come out to go outside, go for walks and eat, but other than that he is in the crate. It may take awhile but he will get used to the crate. Feed him in the crate too.
Once the dog learns that his life is in the crate, he will accept it. Your "will" must be stronger than his or he wins. I would also recommend a couple of videos:
* Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months
* Basic Dog Obedience
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