My dog is 1 1/2 years old and has been crate trained since he was 6 months old. We returned home the last two nights to find that he had lifted his leg to pee outside the crate. We had taken him out before we left on both occasions. He wasn't alone for more than 4 hours either night and he has been in his crate up to 6 hours without having this problem. How can we remedy this situation? Thanks

My dog is 1 1/2 years old and has been crate trained since he was 6 months old. We returned home the last two nights to find that he had lifted his leg to pee outside the crate. We had taken him out before we left on both occasions. He wasn't alone for more than 4 hours either night and he has been in his crate up to 6 hours without having this problem. How can we remedy this situation? Thanks
My dog does this too... did you ever figure out how to stop it:(

Start with neutering him if not already. It is no cure all, but essential in a case like this.

He is maturing and challenging your leadership. 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/) For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm)