The crate was inside my house at the time. I was surprised too because I thought animals in general will not go to the bathroom where they sleep or eat, but he did so I had to get rid of the crate. Thanks for the dog house link Cathy. I'll give that a try.

How long was he left in the crate at first? Some dogs may need to be taken out every hour or even half hour to build a habit of non-soiling. Did your dog go into the crate before exercise or when he was antsy? Some dogs have so much pent up energy that they'll go nuts in the crate but if they're exercised hard before crating they'll do great. You may want to give it another go with the goal of making your dog comfy, calm, and relaxed in the crate so he sees it as a den and sanctuary. It may take time and diligence on your part but it's certainly doable. Just make sure your dog is running on "E" as far as wastes and energy go. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I agree, the crate thing is do-able. No doubt. However, does the thought of a crate stress YOU? Are the dog's bathroom manners a factor in your decision to rehome him?

IMO, cleaning up poop and pee in the house is not fun, plus, it's an embarrassing problem. (my damn CAT had a few pee incidents <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I believe you mentioned in an earlier post, you were cleaning up a lot. Is this still the case? An every day thing? Is the dog house broken now?

IMO, the dog will undoubtedly be stressed somewhat with the arrival of these babes, not to mention the lil extra stress he may be picking up on with you trying to decide if you are going to rehome him or what.

Will re-introduction of the crate at this time be a bad thing--given the history you've had with crates? I don't know. I do not currently use a crate (will be with my next dog for sure) but I do not believe I would at this time if I had 3 babies coming. Keeping things as smooth and as steady as possible for the dog would be on my high list of priorities. I am not a trainer or behaviourist though.