Zoe just turned a year old. We bought the largest cage we could find for her so as an adult she would be able to fit in it still. Well, she's getting too big for her cage now. She can stand up in it, but her head has to be down when she goes in and out. She can get turned around in it, but it takes a second. So I know when I'm at work it's got to be uncomfortable for her to be in her cage. I've moved her cage downstairs and kept her in there so she could get used to being down there. Then I gradually gave her more freedom. Well this week every time I get home on my lunch to let her out she's peed and/or pooped on the floor. I don't get it because she is house trained. She doesn't go upstairs on the floor. She's fine all night without going out. What do I need to do for her to stop this. I know I need to go to Petsmart and get more cleaner with the enzymes in it to clean up her mess. What am I missing here? She has her toys, her food, blanket, a LITTLE bit of water so she doesn't drink too much and have to go. Shaz? Alty? Anyone? Suggestions would be awesome. We want to get another puppy but don't want Zoe teaching it bad habbits.

It sounds like her freedom is making her feel insecure.

Is the crate still available to her if she wants to get in during the day?
It almost sounds like she is having separation anxiety from her crate.
I'm going to look this up and see what I can find.

It is odd because it is usually the other way around.

Her crate is right there in the room, with the same blanket in it, door wide open so she can go in there whenever she wants.

I should also add that when I got home she knew she was in trouble. She knew she did something wrong. She was hiding around the corner with her tail between her legs.

The only thing I read it that many dogs come to love their crate (or den,as they see it) and have a sense of safety in there.
Maybe she should still be in there if she is having anxiety about being out,at least until you can get her a bigger crate.

Her crate is right there in the room, with the same blanket in it, door wide open so she can go in there whenever she wants.

I should also add that when I got home she knew she was in trouble. She knew she did something wrong. She was hiding around the corner with her tail between her legs.

She is so cute.
They always know when they have been naughty.
Its hard to get mad when they have guilt written all over them.:rolleyes:

I can't find a bigger crate though. That's the problem. We have an extra large... The thing is massive. LOL. I'll just have to look harder I guess. I know that she likes her cage because when I'm getting ready for work I say "momma gotta go" and she runs right down the hallway to her cage. She's so sweet and usually such a good dog. I think that's why I'm so ticked off. This is not in her nature.

When you are at home does she have fairly constant access to being with you?

This may be an a sort of anxiety related problem. Perhaps you could get her use to being by herself in a room uncrated for periods while you are still home.

Try and make this a positive thing. Give her something she really enjoys but can only get when she is by herself in the room. Perhaps a toy she likes or maybe a treat despensing object.

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but have raised poms for many years.

If she still likes the crate, and you come home at lunch to let her out, there is probably no harm in confining her while you are at work. If not outside, my dogs are always crated when we are gone, with a size 100, which is approx. as big to them as you are describing for your dog.

The best urine/poo cleaner I have ever found is a product called kids n' pets. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT... it will remove the urine odor and leaves a pleasant orangey scent that is not at all cloying. It's available at places like wal-mart and target. Get the squeeze bottle.

Good luck,

Mb

Hmm... well, she does have fairly constant access to being with me and my husband, but she seems perfectly content to chew on a rawhide in the living room if we're in bed or busy doing something else. I agree it does seem behavioral, but I don't know what we're doing wrong.

I have no problem crating her. Really. But she's too big for her cage.

I can't find a bigger crate though. That's the problem. We have an extra large... The thing is massive. LOL. I'll just have to look harder I guess. I know that she likes her cage because when I'm getting ready for work I say "momma gotta go" and she runs right down the hallway to her cage. She's so sweet and usually such a good dog. I think that's why I'm so ticked off. This is not in her nature.

You may have to make something larger, from scratch. Use your imagination. Also, she may be resentful. Ask your vet. She/he may have some suggestions.

I kniw exactly what you are thinking about because I had a dog just like that. He was an old dog so he was an inside dog and when I would go to school I would come home and I would have a little surprise left on the carpet. So basically know what you mean,but back to the point. I would get these little pads. But what you do is lay them down all over the room so that if your dog does his business all you have to do is roll up the mat and throw it away. It worked for my dog so I think that it could work for your dog. But also you have to remember thet it probably was your dogs first time with all that freedom so you have to take that in to consideration. You could also consider taking him to class to be pody trained.
But if you are gone all day than how is he supposed to go to the restroom?



Hope I could help .If not sorry
rsb8

I kniw exactly what you are thinking about because I had a dog just like that. He was an old dog so he was an inside dog and when I would go to school I would come home and I would have a little surprise left on the carpet. So basically know what you mean,but back to the point. I would get these little pads. But what you do is lay them down all over the room so that if your dog does his buisness all you have to do is roll up the mat and throw it away. It worked for my dog so I think that it could work for your dog. But also you have to remember thet it probably was your dogs first time with all that freedom so you have to take that in to consideration. You could also consider taking him to class to be pody trained.
But if you are gone all day than how is he supposed to go to the restroom?



hope I could help .If not sorry
rsb8


Our dog is house trained. She's been through several training classes. And the pads inside the house will only teach her that peeing in the house is OK. I appreciate your input but I don't think that's the route we're going to take.

Zoe just turned a year old. We bought the largest cage we could find for her so as an adult she would be able to fit in it still. Well, she's getting too big for her cage now. She can stand up in it, but her head has to be down when she goes in and out. She can get turned around in it, but it takes a second. So I know when I'm at work it's gotta be uncomfortable for her to be in her cage. I've moved her cage downstairs and kept her in there so she could get used to being down there. Then I gradually gave her more freedom. Well this week every time I get home on my lunch to let her out she's peed and/or pooped on the floor. I don't get it because she is house trained. She doesn't go upstairs on the floor. She's fine all night without going out. What do I need to do for her to stop this. I know I need to go to Petsmart and get more cleaner with the enzymes in it to clean up her mess. What am I missing here? She has her toys, her food, blanket, a LITTLE bit of water so she doesn't drink too much and have to go. Shaz? Alty? Anyone? Suggestions would be awesome. We want to get another puppy but don't want Zoe teaching it bad habbits.

Hi I once had to deal with that to make sure you let her out before you go or take here on a long walk so she can let everything out before you go and doesn't have the need to do it in side. And if she dident go inside before your lunch break give her a treat and let her out again. :)

Zoe, have you considered an enclosure?

I have one for my bunnies, but it's actually for dogs.

The only downside is that it folds, so she could bump it enough to move it. Also, it doesn't have a roof, but it is big enough to house most dogs. It's mainly used when camping or outdoors, to allow the dog to be off leash but keep them where you want them.

It wouldn't be my first choice, but it may be your only option if you can't find a bigger cage.

Are you good at building? If so, you may be able to build something for her.

To me it sounds like anxiety. She's crate trained, so being out of her crate is making her anxious enough to forget her potty training.

Right now you have to be as positive as you can. Lots of praise when she's good, minimal punishment when she's bad. She needs to learn things all over again, because her crate is no longer an option.

Dogs are a lot like us, they don't like change. ;)

Zoe, have you considered an enclosure?

I have one for my bunnies, but it's actually for dogs.

The only downside is that it folds, so she could bump it enough to move it. Also, it doesn't have a roof, but it is big enough to house most dogs. It's mainly used when camping or outdoors, to allow the dog to be off leash but keep them where you want them.

It wouldn't be my first choice, but it may be your only option if you can't find a bigger cage.

Are you good at building? If so, you may be able to build something for her.

To me it sounds like anxiety. She's crate trained, so being out of her crate is making her anxious enough to forget her potty training.

Right now you have to be as positive as you can. Lots of praise when she's good, minimal punishment when she's bad. She needs to learn things all over again, because her crate is no longer an option.

Dogs are a lot like us, they don't like change. ;)

If the enclosure slides , you can get large rocks or cinder blocks and wrap them in fabric, or put glue-on felt on them so they don't scratch the floor. These will support the sides and stop slippage. You can go to the local building supply store and ask a specialist what kind of materials there are. They have plastic lattice in 4' x 8' sheets. Use your imagination. Do you have an extra bathroom that will suffice for now? Look online for stuff, or ideas.

Here's one.

http://www.getprice.com.au/Iron-Pet-Enclosure-Gpnc_443--34718580.htm

Zoe, I'll build you a new kennel. I build everything else, why not a kennel?

Just send me the specs (measurements) and I'll do it. :)

Are you serious Alty? You're awesome!! I did go to PetSmart today and found a cage bigger than the one we have. It's an XXL. I had no idea they came larger than XL. The only problem is that it's more than I can afford right now. I think building one might not be a bad idea. The size we need is 37W x 54D x 45H. Maybe I should check craigslist or something...

Alty, seriously, you're awesome. =) If you can give me ideas on how and what from I can probably build one.

Alty, that's in inches

Zoe,

You may have noted me saying I prefer runs if there's room in the yard. This guy has some good tips on building one.

How To Build a Dog Run (http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a2744-how-to-build-a-dog-run.html)

Hmmm sorry I'm a bit late on this one :(

Darn my sleeping in!

Great suggestions anyway, Artsy hit the nail on the head saying she feels more secure in her crate.

Some dogs just don't like being left alone in a big space, even big dogs like Zoe can get anxious about it.

When we go out my little terrors are left in the kitchen/dining/lounge area with the rest of the house blocked off by a baby gate.
If I leave anything (And I mean anything) on the dining room table you can guarantee it will be ripped to shreds when we get home.
Darling Prada had figured out how to push a chair out and climb up :rolleyes:

Anyway, point is there is nothing wrong with crating.
Mum has a HUGE crate for her great dane but the problem is, she paid a minor fortune for it because she has to transport it to dog shows.

I like the idea of making your own.
My grandfather made me a crate for our Shih Tzu years ago, had wheels and everything and was collapsible, I will see if I can find the design for it, you would just have to adjust the measurements to suit.

Another alternative is an outside run...

Now I know people don't like their dogs being outside but sometimes they are better off.

You just need basically a child's cubby house (large one) and then build a wire run coming off it with shade cloth.
If you can concrete the ground it would be ideal as when they do poop you can just scoop it up and then hose the ground.

Are you serious Alty? You're awesome!!!! I did go to PetSmart today and found a cage bigger than the one we have. It's an XXL. I had no idea they came larger than XL. The only problem is that it's more than I can afford right now. I think building one might not be a bad idea. The size we need is 37W x 54D x 45H. Maybe I should check craigslist or something...

Alty, seriously, you're awesome. =) If you can give me ideas on how and what from I can probably build one.

Does pet smart have a credit card ? Maybe make payments?

She may not like the new one,that's always a though as well.

All that money and she decides she doesn't like it.

If dogs could talk,it would be so much easier:)

If you get on on Craigs list and she smells another dog,that could be a problem.
You never know with dogs .

Talking about craigslist and the needed dimensions made me think. Macaw cages are that size and are sold used for around 100. I have two, (with birds in them) that if turned on their side would house a great dane to perfection.

hmm... all these ideas! Thanks guys! =) I have some thinking to do

OK, so I think I'm going to build something, but where do I start?

OK, so I think I'm going to build something, but where do I start?

I can help you with that.

Measure Zoe, then let me know how much room you have, I'll draw up some plans and then we'll go from there.

All you'll need is someone that can wield a hammer and follow directions. ;)

When Alty draws plans, I'll provide tips. I've built them before.

When Alty draws plans, I'll provide tips. I've built them before.

Maybe we should work on this together.

I'll meet you at the corner of 5th and 43rd, you bring the paper I'll bring the beer. ;)

Maybe we should work on this together.

I'll meet you at the corner of 5th and 43rd, you bring the paper I'll bring the beer. ;)

Chicago or Toronto?

Chicago or Toronto?

The Caribbean.

If we're going to do this we may as well make it fun. ;)

It's 8th and 43rd

Cabana Cove Caribbean Grille - 2410 NW 43rd Street Gainesville, FL | Menu Wall (http://www.menuwall.com/fl/gainesville/cabana-cove-caribbean-grille/168)

It's 8th and 43rd

Cabana Cove Caribbean Grille - 2410 NW 43rd Street Gainesville, FL | Menu Wall (http://www.menuwall.com/fl/gainesville/cabana-cove-caribbean-grille/168)

Perfectionist! :rolleyes:

Perfectionist! :rolleyes:

Got to keep up my certification, y'know. ;)

You guys crack me up. Can I meet up too? Zoe is still growing though, so I was going to go with the size of the crate that's recommended for a great dane.

54" deep, 37" wide and 45" high.

Does that sound OK?

You guys crack me up. Can I meet up too? Zoe is still growing though, so I was going to go with the size of the crate that's recommended for a great dane.

54" deep, 37" wide and 45" high.

Does that sound ok?

So what is has been happening in the past few days? Is she still having the same problem?Or does it seem to be getting better as she becomes accustomed to more freedom?
I'm just curious.She is so adorable!

You guys crack me up. Can I meet up too? Zoe is still growing though, so I was going to go with the size of the crate that's recommended for a great dane.

54" deep, 37" wide and 45" high.

Does that sound ok?

Bring the pup. We'll play.

So what is has been happening in the past few days? Is she still having the same problem?Or does it seem to be getting better as she becomes accustomed to more freedom?
I'm just curious.She is so adorable!

Well, because she seemed to be having real difficulties being outside of her cage I just let her go back in there. She's been in her cage the last couple days and has been fine. No whining or anything. Maybe she would do better if I just let her get used to it. I don't know. I just don't want to put her through more stress than necessary. And thank you, We think she's pretty darn cute too. ;)

And Alty, she loves to play ball. She tries to catch them in the air. =)