I know there has been much discussion about "crate-training" puppies, but my situation is a little different than what I've read so far. I just rescued two 5 month old puppies who had been crated 21 HOURS/DAY!! I don't believe that they even KNOW to poop outside and I don't know what to do. I took them out this morning for 45 minutes --- they didn't poop or pee and as soon as they came in, they started pooping. I know they are very smart pups --- Australian Sheppard mix (what a breed to crate for 21 hours/day!! ). I don't even know where to begin to train these little guys, but my house smells like an overloaded outhouse. I will NOT be crating them, but while I'm at work, I'll be confining them to the kitchen.

PLEASE help with any suggestions. :confused: :confused:

They are learning a lesson, it is just not the lesson you thought you were teaching. 21 hours ins crate is a bit much. Next time they peep and poop gather up the paper and place it out side near a tree or a bush. Every time you take them out go directly to that paper. Every time they peep/poop near the paper give them praise and maybe even a small treat. If they peep/poop inside the crate you should admonish them with a strong sounding "NO, NO" but don't do anything more negative than that.

I am glad you rescued them from the abusive conditions. I am a strong believer in the use of crates, but possibly not following such abuse.

One of the important things in getting a puppy to relieve itself outside is to make sure it moves around. There is a wealth of details I won't repeat on housebreaking at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251809

There is also some other information in that thread you may find helpful.