I am taking care of a 6 month old dog (pitbull) her previous owners could not take care of her anymore. I take her out to pee at least 5 times a day and she still pees in her crate, other than peeing she licks it off! I don't know why she gets enough water and food. The crate has dividers so its just enough room for her to sleep and turn 360. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

A crate that allows her to turn in only a complete circle is not enough room for her. She has changed people, that would be traumatic. Think if it was you in a crate at 6 months old and with new people. I feel sorry for her. Do you care for her, I mean do you have any empathy towards her?

As for the licking. My dog does that too, I am not alarmed by it, but she is four years old. I am assuming she is just very diligent in cleaning herself.

Maybe you should keep her out of the crate more, show her affection.

Do you intend on keeping her, or is she just transitory, or what I mean, waiting for another home? If they didn't want her and you are only 'taking care of her' then where eventually will she end up? Lots of questions and I am sure you will get more. We are a very well oriented pet forum.

Tick

Its behavioral. She may never kick the habit. She may also have a Urinary Infection. Dogs do strange things to hide illnesses.

Her getting adequate water has nothing to do with her dirty habit. She'll probably do it even if you keep her out for hours at a time. During crate time, give her something to do. If you are crating while you leave, put her close a window so she can look out. Keep the TV on.. My dogs love watching animal planet :) Keep a radio on. Maybe try a frozen peanut butter kong to keep her mind busy or those crazy toys that release treats as the dog rolls it around. This type of behavior can be worked with by redirecting boredum. If she came to you with this habit, more then likely it was developed by the previous owner due to her spending too much time alone.

To be on the safe side and rule out anything medical, try and get her looked at by your vet. A physical exam with explination of her behavior is all that is needed. You might want to be one set ahead and get a urine sample to take in to rule out any infections.

Good luck!

I am an expert on potty training! Whenever you see your pup in the act pick him up and say firmly NO! Then take him to wherever you want him to go from now on. If you don't catch it in the act then don't scold or rub its nose in it. Dogs don't remember what they did wrong! When you find doo doo scoop it up and take it to where you want your pup to go. After being placed in this spot several times and seeing their doo doo there then the pup will get the idea. Also, after you move her/her business too the place you want her to go take her to that area to see if she has any more left. Then, spray that area with febreeze or cleaner. The stench will tell her that its not hers to go in. spraying the crate also will not want her too lick it because it doesn't smell right.