Kiera is our 10 week old GSD. We've had her a week. She had six days without a single accident in the crate (a few in the house though). Yesterday she had her first accident in the crate - my fault - miscalculated when she should have gone out.

Then in the middle of the night she had another. I had set the alarm to wake up to take her out at the four hour mark since last outside break ---the first few days I just got up almost every time she cried. After a few days it became more like 3-4 hours. The night before last I went down about 4 hours - hadn't heard her, but took her out anyway --- by the time, I got to her last night she was quiet and there was a mess. I never heard the crying. But this morning 3 1/2 hours after the accident she did cry and did do "outside" outside.

I know once they've gone in their crate it's a harder job!

I scoured the crate and washed her (at 2 am!). Today I have gone back to taking her out every hour and half unless she cries before that.

What should I do about tonight though? Set my alarm to take her out every 1-2 hours? I don't know if she will cry to let me know.

As for the water I take up it 6:30-7:00. I'm thinking of making it 5 tonight! Even that is a struggle - she whines and keeps trying to pull me to where it should be. Any suggestions?

Pee or poop?

If pee, has the frequency increased a lot? If so, I'd drop off a "clean catch" at the vet's.

Ten weeks ... yeah, I'd probably set the alarm as you said for every three hours and see what's happening, but no playing or fun. Just business.

Another thing to keep in mind is the crate space. Meaning, how big is the area of the crate in relation to the dog? If it's big crate and she has PLENTY of room to move around, do you have a divider to make the area smaller just so that she has enough room to stand up, turn-around, and lay down.

The tighter the space the better. They will not intentionally go potty in their crate if they have to lay down in it. If she can make it to the back side of the crate, do her business, then move to another area - then the space is too big.

If not, and she had an accident I would do what Connie suggests - get a fresh sample and off to the vet.

Also, within the next couple weeks the time frame will increase in between potty breaks as her bladder will mature a little and will be able to handle more time in between.

Both accidents were only pee.

I wouldn't say the frequency has increased.

I have an upside down laundry basket and a milk crate on top of that (because she just jumped on top of the laundry basket) on the inside of the dog crate. She has about a 15"X19" space. She's about 9-10 pounds. Not real sure how to gauge the size. Maybe a little bigger than you suggest. Too big? She would definitely have to lay down in it.

And yes, I've made it all business lately!





Edited by Lisa Harvey (07/10/2009 11:57 AM)
Edit reason: added a line

 Quote: Lisa Harvey

Both accidents were only pee.

I wouldn't say the frequency has increased.

If the frequency hasn't increased then you'll be able to catch her before she has to have a mistake.

Good on you that you know not to let the habit gain traction.

I had it in my mind that she needed to go out around 4. At 3:00 I was playing with her,when the doorbell rang. I put her back in the crate and dealt with the postal delivery person. She started whining as I took care of the person at the door, then went to my study thinking the whining was because abruptness in the stop of play. I can see her from where I was at and saw the accident take place. She tried to warn me. I made a mistake. Later I looked at the log I've been keeping and realized she was right on target.

Oh gosh, then it will all be fine. Just push the time 15 minutes closer to reinforce the outdoor potty for a while and don't let the habit gain hold. That's all!

I was more concerned about her not crying to let me know the second time during the night. And so close to the other one is the reason for my concern.

 Quote: Lisa Harvey

I was more concerned about her not crying to let me know the second time during the night. And so close to the other one is the reason for my concern.

I think it will all be fine. As the outdoor potty habit becomes ingrained and as we learn to read our dogs, the signs (1) are given, and (2) are seen.


As far as night goes, you might set the alarm and keep a log and you will know her exact bladder growth/timing. (Keep the little log notebook right on or near the crate.)

Very reassuring. Thanks. No accidents today.

Raining like cats and dogs. Not a day to be making sure habits are set, but needed... so oh well!