I have a 12 week lab/boxer mix (Jake). He was so good for the first week and did not have one accident in the house or the crate. In the last few days he has decided to start peeing in his crate on his blanket. I don't know what to do. He has done it every night for the last 4 nights. I have my neighbor letting him out during the day around lunch and I am home by 3:00. He has also gone everyday in the crate between 1 and 3 as well. I know he doesn't need to go out in those 2hrs between when he goes out and I get home. Why is he doing this and what can I do? Should I take out his blanket? Thanks for the help.

Beth

There could be several things going on. If he is showing any sign of difficulty in urinating, he needs to be checked for a UTI. Even if not, it the problem still exist the next trip in for shots, mention it to the vet. You are doing a good job of not asking him to go too long. I would remove the blanket and replace is with a grid. The grid does not correct the problem, only helps cope with it. See my sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251809

http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/hollyhighanddry.jpg

It could be a matter of pack rank. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete (http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/)

I think its better then him going on the floor in your house! You should take him out before you go to bed and then right when you get up in the morning.