Wondering if anyone has had a problem with this and how they fixed it...I'm going to have to start leaving 2 of my 3 dogs in their outside kennels when the weather permits - 2 of them Fero fixed 3 yrs and sampson 1.5 intact are having some "issues" with each other and I no longer feel its safe for them to be left alone together outside while I'm at work. (which I know probably isn't a good idea anyway if they were getting along) The problem is they won't go potty in their outside kennels, so if I leave them in there all day while I'm at work their holding it all day. I let them out and they pee for what seems like a lonnnggg time, is this ok? or is there a way to teach them to go in there? the kennel sizes are I believe 7x13, would bigger kennels make a difference? I have been going home at lunch and letting them out to potty(they are staying inside right now in crates) but it takes me 15-20 minutes to get home and I dont think I can do this every day of the week continuously especially with my busy season at work coming up in a couple months. Any suggestions?

Mine do the same thing. I have 4 5X15 kennels and a 7x30, and they still won't go to the bathroom in there. What 2 of my boys will do, however, is lift their leg and pee into the other one's kennel or outside .

I feel bad, too. I know what you mean by that peeing forever....FWIW...no one has ever had a bladder infection or any other ill effects from this. I feel better knowing they COULD go if they really had to, so I continue to leave them outside rather than in crates.

What if you got a big log and wired it onto the fence of each kennel as if it were a big tree stump. They would have something to pee on besides each other.

Melissa, they have some...LOL. They don't pee on each other; it's just that they'd rather pee in someone else's home than their own. Charming, aren't they? I have more kennels than dogs, so I try not to have them next to eachother if possible.

How about putting pea gravel in one end and teaching them to pee on it? I've always taught my dogs to go on command because it's easier when you travel with them. It's really no different then teaching any other thing, reward them when they do it. I think once they've done it once or twice, they'll figure out its ok.

The log idea sounds good but actually one of the kennels has a tree in it and was never used...pea gravel might work - wouldnt you have to make a raised border or something to keep it from getting spread all over the place? My luck they would start eating it but it may be worth a try - Also, are the 7X13 size kennels big enough for my size dogs? (85lbs & 100lbs) and does anyone have any suggestions for dog houses? Kind, size, etc.
Its just me so building one is out of the question -
Thanks

I go on Craigslist and search for dog houses. Usually cheap or free for the hauling; you can get some nice ones for big dogs. I got a really nice insulated on w/partitions and doors and a shingled roof, PLUS a 12x20 kennel for $200. I think your kennels are big enough, provided they don't LIVE in there, per se. Using them as an alternative to a crate is different than a dog who lives in a kennel.

I believe there are good dog house plans on this site somewhere, can't seem to remember where.
Yes! You can build it on your own. If you don't have the sawing equipment, Home Depot will make any cuts you want for a small fee. The last time I was there to get a big 4 X 8 sheet of plywood cut the first 5 cuts were free.

Hi Kathy,

Try placing some flower pots in your yard for them to pee on(I used some large clay pots), after they have marked them a few times put them in their kennel.

It worked for one of mine but not the other. I just decided that if they have to go bad enough they will.

You are right, it is amazing how much urine the boys can hold.

Good luck,
Debbie

 Quote: debbie high

Hi Kathy,

Try placing some flower pots in your yard for them to pee on(I used some large clay pots), after they have marked them a few times put them in their kennel.

This is what I did, as well as we made some 2x4 "squares" and placed them in the corners of the kennel filled with wood chips. All dogs use them as sort of a "litter box" per say, which makes kennel cleaning easy.
The males are in each end kennels and have a row of shrubs in pots along the outside walls and they use that to pee on.

None of my older dogs use the indoor portion of the runs to potty in. I teach the puppies this as well.