January 04, 2021

I recently acquired a 10 month old dog that will go out for a romp or walk and then pees/poops in her kennel. She has plenty of chances to go outside but seems to think the crate or kennel is the place to go. How do I undo this?

Full Question:
I am rehabbing a 10 month old Mal. She is doing great but after we go for a serious romp in the forest and she returns to her kennel, she pees and poos in it. We are out many times per day so she has plenty of opportunity to potty in the right spot but she seems to think the kennel is THE spot. How do I undo this?
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
So for a dog like this there would be no romping or play or recreational walks until AFTER they pee and poop.

She would be treated like an 8 week old puppy that isn't potty trained. Since she has no issue with using the crate/kennel as a bathroom you have a big job ahead of you.

I teach my puppies from day one that going outside means bathroom break and we don't ever go out for walks, play or training until after they have relieved themselves. I figure out their patterns of when they typically need to poop (how long after meals) and if necessary I keep a chart so I can see the pattern.

Retraining dogs that don't seem to have issue with soiling the crate/kennel is a lot of work and you should plan on taking her out every hour or maybe even more often so you get success. I would also teach her to relieve herself on a leash or long line so you can monitor closely.
User Response:
I now see my mistake. “Let’s go potty not party”. Thanks for your help!!

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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