I am currently crate training my 5.5 month old female chow Kaylah. I made it smaller as I had purchased a large one and that stopped her from doing her business in the crate and she holds it until we walk her. But after her walks we let her run around the house for a little to play with her Buddy Kamau - our other chow. But even one hour after she is back home form her walk she is right back to pooping and peeing in the house, and after being reprimanded for this, she is back in the crate. This has been an ongoing cycle now for the past month. Seems like she's not getting the no pee zone idea indoors. What are we doing wrong. We have her on schedule, she sleeps overnight in her crate, she's reprimanded and placed on time out when she does go in the house, so we're stumped. Otherwise, Kaylah has improved, she has opened up to us and knows her name, learned stop and sit and come. But it's just the pooping and peeing that we're still stuck on... Could anyone please offer some advice? Thanks

No expert, but dogs use the restroom after they eat, sleep, exercise. You stated you let her play around in the house with your other chow after you have gone for a walk. Sounds like you need to take her out again after her play session is over, then go to the crate if thats the schedule your on. Just my opinoin.

Hi,

If it were my pup at 5 1/2 months old he would be in the crate whenever he was in the house. If he were to be out of the crate he would be on leash and it would not be for a long time. It is a mistake to let the dog loose in the house and not keep an eye on him. If the dog poops or pees in the house, you must catch the dog in the act, then correct the dog and take it immediately outside.....it does no good to correct the pup five minutes later after he has already done his business. A pup will pee or poop after sleep, after eating, and after exercising (like Luke said), so the pup should go outside after each of these things, also a lot of praise when he does go outside. If you are consistent with this type of crate training, then the dog will bark or let you know when he has to go outside.......I have trained many puppys this way and have not had any problems.
I also pick up the water around 7:00 PM.

Hi Lee:

I'm new to this group so I hate to post alot of opinions. But Chows are near and dear to my heart. I've had either Chows or Chow crosses my entire life. My mother was involved in breed rescue. The thing that bothers me most about your post is that Chows are usually an extremely fastidious breed. Often, they don't even like to soil there own yards, but will naturally head off into the bushes. And despite the challenges to training them housebreaking is not usually one of them.
Where did you get this dog? Shelter?

Is there any other unusual or difficult behavior? Despite common perceptions Chows are usually quick to learn commands. They just have a little trouble with the concept of obedience.

Molly McLaughlin

Couple of mistakes here. Lets see if we can help the poor pup out.

Big Rule - no reprimanding unless you CATCH the dog doing the act. Even 10 - 15 seconds later, they can't associate what they have done with the reprimand. If you KNOW he is doing this daily, then be around him when he is playing in the house. Watch for the signs - for his age, it will be a very quick and sudden disinterest in anything else; almost always followed by a quick motion to elimate.

Let's pause here for a sec - this being said, if you catch it BEFORE the blessed act, a quick scoop (not reprimand necessarily) and take him outside to let him finish. PRAISE WHILE OUTSIDE elimating. Lavish him for doing the right thing like he just saved your house from burning down. Use ONE COMMAND like a happy praise. This eventually becomes your "outside" command. Remember, each success (not reprimand) is what lets the dog know right from wrong.

Next - if you're too late but DO catch him in the ACT, then reprimand. But do NOT put him in the crate after a reprimand. The crate should not be used as a punishment place. Its just a safe haven for your house and the pup. If the dog associates the crate with reprimand, you're a lot worse off later on.

After a reprimand (scruff shake was my only choice) take him to the place where you want him to pee/poop. Give the command in a stern tone (but not mad).

Everytime he makes a mistake, make sure to soak it up and place it where you want him to go. Hold soiled paper towels down with rocks. When playing, take him there before signs of needing to go (to give him a chance, little pups just don't know how to read their own bodily warnings).

Clean the area up good with an enzimatic cleaner/oder neutralized. Even a faint scent will remind him that it was alright to go there before.

He's a little behind at 5+ months. But I'm sure with some consistancy, you'll break him of soiling your home.

Best of luck,
David C

Thanks everyone for all of your ideas. Molly, in reference to your questions, did we get Kayhla from a shelter. Well, no, we did not, we bought her from a pet store. I love Chows dearly too, our first family pet was our Chow Kodiak and now I have Kamau and we just got Kaylah. Kaylah seems to be very different from the other chows I have had/dealt with. She is very aloof and reserved and just now is she somewhat opening up to us. Before it seemed as if she was scared of anyone petting her, pulling and running away. We always wondered if something ever happened to her. She still doesn't like being pet that much. I liked the soiled napkin idea so will try that as well as keeping her on a leash so we can keep a better eye on her. Thanks guys.

Hi Lee:

At the risk of sounding paranoid, I would strongly advise you to enlist the help of an experienced dog trainer now. Perhaps someone in the group could recommend a reliable one in your area?

Chows as you know, when reliably bred, are impressive wonderful dogs. When their early socialization is messed up along with questionable breeding, it all too often develops into truly unfortunate situations, despite the owners best efforts. Kayla is still young enough that early professional intervention might help.

More than most other breeds it is absolutely necessary that a chow bonds with its owner. They tend to be one person dogs. If they do not bond, they DO NOT OBEY. It sounds like Kayla is not bonding well, which is not unusual for pet shop dogs. However, because of a Chow's strong territorial and protective instincts not obeying can be a serious problem.

Like I said I don't want to sound paranoid, but I've seen alot of "pet shop" chows with similar problems that go on to bigger ones.

One last note, a lot of smooth coat Chows are being turned out by puppy mills now a days. If Kayla happens to be a smooth coat, get a REALLY good vet. There are a lot of structural intregrity problems that can go along with the smooth coat.

Good Luck,

Molly McLaughlin