Our new 10 week puppy prefers to poop in crate and will wait hours (seriously) until it has opportunity to poop in it. He does greatly enjoy the outside, but won't use my designated toilet area. I'm not sure, but I think this puppy and litter were kept in a small "whelping" area where they pooped in their sleep area. I'm also trying to get him to like the crate and I'm using treats and chew toys & feeding in it to make it more inviting, but he cries incessantly when the door is closed. I've acquired the dog as rescue, but I'm trying to make it work. Is it too late to train at 10 weeks?

It's the perfect age, but you realize you are going to have to undo the "training" he's already had. It will be challenging, but worth it in the end for both of you.

Read some of the threads and stickies on potty training, especially the ones posted by Alty. She (and other dog experts) will see this sometime today or tomorrow and will respond. Meanwhile, I will search for one of her more recent potty posts and post it in this thread.

Of course, we will want to see photos of your new pup!

Here is Alty in a July 21st post to someone whose puppy has similar problems --

At 12 weeks old it's amazing that he's already trained to pee outside. A puppy that young can't hold it for long, and can't really give a warning since he doesn't have to go one second, and does the next.

Keep up the potty training. At his age it's best to take him out for a potty brake around 10 - 20 minutes after he eats. Choose a potty word, and repeat it over and over until he goes. When he does potty outside, tons of praise, a treat, let him know that he did what you want him to do. When he potties inside, a firm no and take him directly outside. Even if he's in the middle of pooing, pick him up and out you go, use your potty word, and when he finishes outside, lots of praise.

He's a baby, and it will take some time before his body can catch up to what he knows you want him to do. Positive reinforcement, lots of praise, no yelling, no screaming, all positive, that's the way to go. But it's not going to be instant. He's still very young.

It's recommended to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, but don't expect him to really be reliable until he's at least 4 months old. At this stage it's just reinforcing behavior until he's old enough to consistently do what you expect. Even four months is pushing it, it will likely be closer to 6 months before he's completely potty trained.

Why do you close the door of his crate? Make sure the door is open when you are around, and keep an eagle eye on him for when he uses it as his bathroom. Yes, it will be a ton of work at first -- like having a new baby in the house (and yes he is that). Like I said, it will be worth it.

I have a few questions before I can give you advice.

What breed of dog is he? How big is the crate (a crate should only be big enough to stand, turn, and lie down), how many hours a day is he in the crate? How often do you take him out? How often do you feed him? How often do you give him water?

Basically, a crate is a den. Dogs don't pee or poo in their den if they have a choice. If the crate is too big, a puppy may find a corner he isn't sleeping in, to potty in. If this pup is a rescue, he may be from a puppymill or backyard breeder, which means he was probably left in a crate or kennel all day and given no choice but to potty where he slept.

In the wild even a newborn puppy will not pee or poo in the den. The mother dog takes the puppies out to do their thing, and they learn from day one that they're not allowed to potty in their den. Same with farm dogs. They usually have an outdoor shed where they have their litters, and they will take their puppies out to pee and poo. Those dogs are a lot easier to potty train and crate train.

At 10 weeks your puppy should spend less that 2 hours in the crate during the day. He will also need to potty frequently, shortly after eating and drinking. Be consistent and patient, and remember that this is just a baby, and it will take some time before his body catches up with the training you're giving him now.

Crate training can be hard, the crying can drive anyone nuts. I would suggest putting the crate in your bedroom, near your bed. No treats or water when he's in the crate. Give him one of your blankets, or a shirt that you recently wore, something that smells like you. When he cries, shush him, and then ignore. It may take a few nights of crying, but most puppies catch on within a day or two. With my border collie it was one hour, literally, of crying, and after that he willingly went into the crate and slept there all night, only crying when he had to potty. Remember that at 10 weeks he will need frequent potty breaks during the night, so you can't ignore all crying. If he's been sleeping, and then suddenly wakes up crying, that's his way of telling you he needs to go out for a potty.

You have many months of training before your pup becomes the dog you want him to be. Just remember, positive reinforcement, and lots of patience. Puppies are a handful, but they're totally worth it, and a joy if you put in the work needed. :)

Here's a link with training tips from all the pet experts on this site:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/helpful-training-tips-your-new-dog-500972.html

This is a 10 week Newfie, about 15 lbs. We have a large wire mesh crate, but I am using the divider so that he only has room to turn around, stand and lie down. We are just trying practice crate time, for 5-10 min at a time, but each time, he poops as soon as the door gets closed.

I take the dog out frequently! Every hour, we go to the potty spot, say "go potty" and hope. When I say he'll hold it for hours, I did not mean to imply that the puppy is in the crate with the door closed. My husband and I have a flexible work schedule and the puppy has only been crated at night and for a few minutes at a time during the day. (But that's when he poops!) E.g. today, puppy ate at 7 am and at 1 pm and would not poop outside, though I've taken him out frequently. (he did pee outside twice and I praised lavishly). He still hasn't pooped, even though we've been outside for most of the day, and I fear he's just holding it until he gets into the crate. How can a 10 week hold poop for 8 hours? I've been walking him around a lot, hoping to stimulate a bm.

We've decided to feed his daily recommended amount, divided, 3x/day, 7, 1 pm and 7 pm. I leave a water dish in his open crate, and take away after his supper.

I think the puppy was not born in best of situations (he is rescue) and was left to soil in its sleeping area. I'm trying to redirect so that he knows the crate is his "den" and the outside yard corner is his "potty."

The dog's crate is in the family room, but we are trading off sleeping in that room on the couch. Or, not sleeping, because he cries all night, sleeps all day. We've been taking him out when he cries, but it's confusing, because we can't differentiate the cries between "I hate this crate," vs "I have to go potty." We've been assuming it's potty and taking him out every two hours (at least) at night. We're tuckered. He has peed twice in the yard, for which action I've praised him lavishly!

We've only had him a few days, so, maybe I'm being too impatient. Our last Newfie (but from a reputable breeder) was soooo easy because she was already crate trained.

Is that useful?



I have a few questions before I can give you advice.

What breed of dog is he? How big is the crate (a crate should only be big enough to stand, turn, and lie down), how many hours a day is he in the crate? How often do you take him out? How often do you feed him? How often do you give him water?

Basically, a crate is a den. Dogs don't pee or poo in their den if they have a choice. If the crate is too big, a puppy may find a corner he isn't sleeping in, to potty in. If this pup is a rescue, he may be from a puppymill or backyard breeder, which means he was probably left in a crate or kennel all day and given no choice but to potty where he slept.

In the wild even a newborn puppy will not pee or poo in the den. The mother dog takes the puppies out to do their thing, and they learn from day one that they're not allowed to potty in their den. Same with farm dogs. They usually have an outdoor shed where they have their litters, and they will take their puppies out to pee and poo. Those dogs are a lot easier to potty train and crate train.

At 10 weeks your puppy should spend less that 2 hours in the the crate during the day. He will also need to potty frequently, shortly after eating and drinking. Be consistent and patient, and remember that this is just a baby, and it will take some time before his body catches up with the training you're giving him now.

Crate training can be hard, the crying can drive anyone nuts. I would suggest putting the crate in your bedroom, near your bed. No treats or water when he's in the crate. Give him one of your blankets, or a shirt that you recently wore, something that smells like you. When he cries, shush him, and then ignore. It may take a few nights of crying, but most puppies catch on within a day or two. With my border collie it was one hour, literally, of crying, and after that he willingly went into the crate and slept there all night, only crying when he had to potty. Remember that at 10 weeks he will need frequent potty breaks during the night, so you can't ignore all crying. If he's been sleeping, and then suddenly wakes up crying, that's his way of telling you he needs to go out for a potty.

You have many months of training before your pup becomes the dog you want him to be. Just remember, positive reinforcement, and lots of patience. Puppies are a handful, but they're totally worth it, and a joy if you put in the work needed. :)

Why do you close the door of his crate? Make sure the door is open when you are around, and keep an eagle eye on him for when he uses it as his bathroom. Yes, it will be a ton of work at first -- like having a new baby in the house (and yes he is that). Like I said, it will be worth it.

I was unclear. The crate isn't closed. I just meant he's holding his poop for a really, really long time - hours after eating, until he gets into the crate. He's hanging out with us, insided and outside, and being taken to the yard frequently, but he doesn't want to poop outside!

I'll bet he's beautiful! What's his name?

(Alty will be back to see if you answered her questions.)

I'll bet he's beautiful! What's his name?

(Alty will be back to see if you answered her questions.)


Doggie's name is Arturo, though my teen son is calling him "Artie." He's kind of goofy looking now, but I'm sure he'll grow into his "Newfie" mass soon enough.

Doggie's name is Arturo, though my teen son is calling him "Artie." He's kinda goofy looking now, but I'm sure he'll grow into his "Newfie" mass soon enough.
I was driving to my dentist and caught sight of a woman walking what seems to be a black pony on the sidewalk. It was a Newfie.

At the library where I worked, many of us owned pets and shared new titles of dog and cat books that had impressed us. One of the best I ever read was In the Company of Newfies: A Shared Life by Rhoda Lerman. I see on Amazon that is back in print -- In the Company of Newfies: A Shared Life: Rhoda Lerman: 9780967853314: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/In-Company-Newfies-Shared-Life/dp/0967853311/ref=sr_1_1/184-2355153-3558140?ie=UTF8&qid=1375041637&sr=8-1&keywords=newfie). If you haven't read it, be sure to.

I was driving to my dentist and caught sight of a woman walking what seems to be a black pony on the sidewalk. It was a Newfie.

At the library where I worked, many of us owned pets and shared new titles of dog and cat books that had impressed us. One of the best I ever read was In the Company of Newfies: A Shared Life by Rhoda Lerman. I see on Amazon that is back in print -- In the Company of Newfies: A Shared Life: Rhoda Lerman: 9780967853314: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/In-Company-Newfies-Shared-Life/dp/0967853311/ref=sr_1_1/184-2355153-3558140?ie=UTF8&qid=1375041637&sr=8-1&keywords=newfie). If you haven't read it, be sure to.

I'll look for it! I noted it on the Newfoundland Club of America website, but didn't follow up. I have purchased the book "Emily and Carlo" by Marty Rhodes, based on Emily D!ckinson and her close relationship w/ Carlo, a dog presumed to be a Newfie. It was wonderful. We lost our previous Newfie a year ago and we hope we can make it work with this young rescue.

I'll look for it! I noted it on the Newfoundland Club of America website, but didn't follow up. I have purchased the book "Emily and Carlo" by Marty Rhodes, based on Emily D!ckinson and her close relationship w/ Carlo, a dog presumed to be a Newfie. It was wonderful. We lost our previous Newfie a year ago and we hope we can make it work with this young rescue.
I'll be sure to read that book. And stick with us. There are a lot of great dog people here who will give good advice. Be sure to give us a blow-by-blow report on how things are going and never hesitate to ask questions about what you need help with.

Early days yet - but I did know that the puppy was living in a small "whelping shed" filled with sawdust. This afternoon, I told my neighbor that I was having a hard time having him go in the yard and that he'd had sawdust before. My neighbor then built a large "litter box" in my yard and filled it with wood shavings from a friend's woodshop. My puppy has already pooped and peed in it. Hopefully, that will help pup transition to grass as I scoop soiled sawdust from the "box."

My neighbor then built a large "litter box" in my yard and filled it with wood shavings from a friend's woodshop.
You have a brilliant neighbor! Don't ever move or let him move.

You have a brilliant neighbor! Don't ever move or let him move.

Oh, indeed, he's proved a brilliant neighbor several times... but it's not for us, it's because he absolutely adores dogs and has said his payment is to come over for his puppy fix! A great barter!

Brilliant neighbor. Sawdust is what puppy is used to, so for now that should be available. My suggestion would be to get him pottying in it reliably, and then slowly move some of the sawdust onto the grass, give him a chance to go there, and when he is, then remove the sawdust. Although a sawdust filled litter box in lieu of grass, doesn't sound so bad. The only time it's an issue is if you're on vacation with your dog and he won't potty because he doesn't have his litter box. ;)

I do have one suggestion about the crate. When you do the 5-10 minute practice runs, are you in the home? Also, why only 5-10 minutes? You mentioned a son, so you have kids. Do you remember when your son started playschool or kindergarten? Not all kids have a hard time letting mom leave, but many do, and I'm hoping yours did so that you'll understand what I'm about to say so much better.

When you left your child at kindergarten the first day, if he cried you probably felt horrible. But, you left, and what happened? Around 5-10 minutes after you left, he stopped crying, he calmed down, and he had fun.

Same with puppy. I'd put him in the crate, and leave the house. After around 5-10 minutes of not hearing your voices, he'll settle down, and he'll probably sleep. But, as long as you're there, and he knows you're there, he'll cry. I'd leave him in the crate for at least 30 minutes, enough time to let him settle, and get used to being in the crate.

I'd also really recommend that you move the crate into your bedroom. I'd also suggest putting a blanket on top of the crate at bed time since it's a wire crate. I prefer the wire crates too, but dogs really prefer the plastic ones with only a wire door, it feels more like a den.

Do be patient. You're doing great, but remember that this is a baby, he's only 10 weeks old. Also, he has to learn everything that he should have been taught since the beginning, and wasn't. Dogs are very eager to please. As soon as he figures out what you expect of him, he'll do his very best to make it happen, but it's going to take time, patience, and sadly, a few sleepless nights. The first few weeks of puppy ownership make most sane people wonder what the heck they were thinking. Then the puppy settles in, learns how to act, and it's pure joy. The puppy stage doesn't last forever, I promise you. :)

The only time it's an issue is if you're on vacation with your dog and he won't potty because he doesn't have his litter box. ;)
Or she can carry a bag of sawdust with her on vacations. :)

Or she can carry a bag of sawdust with her on vacations. :)

LOL! It's not a horrible idea. :)

I actually really like the idea of having a makeshift litter box in my yard for the dogs. It would really save my grass. Also, sawdust smells so much nicer, and clean up would be a lot easier than grass.

Puppy seems to not mind eliminating in the sawdust. Unfortunately, he also doesn't mind messing in the crate, either. Maybe it's just puppy tummy, but if I've just walked him around, and given him multiple opportunities to do his "business" - then it's a bit frustrating to find poop in the crate 10 min after closing the door! As mentioned before, the crate space is not too big - he poops, and then lies down in it. He's pooped outside and in the crate about same amount of times since we got him. I'm really trying to figure out how to defuse the idea that the crate is also a toilet space.

clean up would be a lot easier than grass.
That's why I have cats and not dogs. Yay scoopable litter!

I'm really trying to figure out how to defuse the idea that the crate is also a toilet space.
Hmmm, a bigger crate for now with a sawdust litter box in part of it? Would that work? Or would you be perpetuating the problem? And he probably would lie down on the poop in the sawdust.

This is all new to him with the sawdust outdoors. Give it more time. Let him grow up some more and get used to the new system.

Hmmm, a bigger crate for now with a sawdust litter box in part of it? Would that work? Or would you be perpetuating the problem? And he probably would lie down on the poop in the sawdust.

This is all new to him with the sawdust outdoors. Give it more time. Let him grow up some more and get used to the new system.

That would make matters worse. You'd be training him to poop in the crate, which is the exact opposite of what we want here.

It's only been a day. Give him time to learn that crate time is den time, not potty time. Remember, you're dealing with 10 weeks of training teaching him to potty where he sleeps, you're not going to change that training over night, it's going to take time, patience, consistency, repetition and a lot of praise when he does the right thing. When he poops in his den, a firm no, and take him outside. If you catch him pooping, grab him mid poop or pee and rush him outside. He hasn't yet figured out that his new owner doesn't want him pooping where he sleeps, like the last owner did.

My husband and I have been alternating sleeping close to the crate at night in our family room. Wouldn't that have the same effect as having the crate in the bedroom? He seems to just cry all night. Though, last night, I decided leave him to fuss for a while. He eventually settled (30 min of crying) and was still quiet for several hours until I took him out for another potty break. When I put him back into the crate the second time, he seemed to fuss for a shorter period. I guess I didn't get to him soon enough in the early morning, though. He had an accident in the crate.

I may try the same thing tonight -- not sleeping with him.

Posting a pic.

That would make matters worse. You'd be training him to poop in the crate, which is the exact opposite of what we want here.
That's why I said (not being a dog person) -- " Or would you be perpetuating the problem? And he probably would lie down on the poop in the sawdust.

This is all new to him with the sawdust outdoors. Give it more time. Let him grow up some more and get used to the new system."

Posting a pic.
OMG!! I want a Newfie!!

My husband and I have been alternating sleeping close to the crate at night in our family room. Wouldn't that have the same effect as having the crate in the bedroom? He seems to just cry all night. Though, last night, I decided leave him to fuss for a while. He eventually settled (30 min of crying) and was still quiet for several hours until I took him out for another potty break. When I put him back into the crate the second time, he seemed to fuss for a shorter period of time. I guess I didn't get to him soon enough in the early morning, though. He had an accident in the crate.

I may try the same thing tonight -- not sleeping with him.

Posting a pic.

He's adorable. What a little fuzz ball. :)

If he settled better without you being there, then that's your ticket. Most puppies settle better when they're in the same room as their pack (you're now his pack), but your pup may be one of the rare ones that won't settle unless he's alone. Whatever works, it's just a matter of finding out what works. :)

Every night will get easier. He'll learn that the crate means it's time to settle, and sleep. He just needs time to figure out that's what the crate is for. Some dogs take longer than others. I bet you that in a week, he'll be used to his crate, and won't be as fussy.

The one reason I really like having the crate in my room is that I can hear the puppy whine when he needs to go out. They don't give a lot of warning at this age, it's whine, and then potty. The sooner you can get to them, the better. If they're in another room, it can take some time before you hear them, and it can cause accidents to happen much easier.

During the day you may want to try the tether technique. Get a long leash, tie it around your waist, and attach the puppy to the other end. That way he goes where you go, and any time he starts to potty, you're there to immediately scoop him up and take him outside. That technique works very well, but can be a bit time consuming and tedious. But, it will train your puppy quicker.

Thanks sooo much for all the helpful advice and support. I'm sure the little guy is trying very hard to figure out what he's supposed to do, and it's my job to try to find the ways to make it clearer - with a consistent schedule, consistent commands, consistent rewards, and redirection of accidents whenever possible. It doesn't seem like he got the "preparatory" instruction at his last place, but he seems pretty smart, so I'm sure he'll catch on.

Thanks again.

Thanks sooo much for all the helpful advice and support. I'm sure the little guy is trying very hard to figure out what he's supposed to do, and it's my job to try to find the the ways to make it clearer - with a consistent schedule, consistent commands, consistent rewards, and redirection of accidents whenever possible. It doesn't seem like he got the "preparatory" instruction at his last place, but he seems pretty smart, so I'm sure he'll catch on.

Thanks again.

You're more than welcome. It's always a pleasure to help someone that obviously wants the best for their dog, and is willing to do everything it takes to make it happen.

If you need any more advice, we're here, and we'd love updates on how the little guy is doing. He's a cutie, and he's going to be huge. I know you're going to have lots of fun with him, and the puppy stage and all the stuff that goes with it, will soon be a memory. Enjoy this time, it goes by so very fast. :)

If anybody's wondering what a litter box for a dog looks like... here it is.

He's taken to the box quite well. Though I still don't understand how it happens that I take him out for his business several times in a short span of time, then 5 min after walking back into the house, he has an accident of #1 or #2. The poop is definitely easier to intercept because of the circling, semi-squat position... the quick squirt on the floor, that's another matter! Anyway, I figure if he's doing his business in the right place 8 times out of 10, we're on the right track.

We think we'll let him use the sawdust and scoop just like cat litter. We'll be down to the grass fairly quickly and just leave the frame there as the designated area.

If anybody's wondering what a litter box for a dog looks like...here it is.
You might have a million-dollar idea here for people who've bought pups from puppy mills and backyard breeders.

If he's doing 8 out of 10 times, that's wonderful for a 10 week old puppy. Poo training is definitely easier than pee training. It's easy to see when a puppy is about to poo, but pee, it just happens too quickly, with no real clues before it does.

You're on the right track, and soon his body will catch up with what he's expected to do. :)

If he's doing 8 out of 10 times, that's wonderful for a 10 week old puppy. Poo training is definitely easier than pee training. It's easy to see when a puppy is about to poo, but pee, it just happens too quickly, with no real clues before it does.

You're on the right track, and soon his body will catch up with what he's expected to do. :)

Well, I think he's a pretty smart pup. He's very good at walking through the sawdust when I say "Go, potty!" and then sitting on the grass, looking at me and asking, "Where's my treat." Of course, I say performance first, buddy. My previous Newf didn't like the heat or the rain, when I let her out the door in those conditions and said "Go, potty!", she'd do a two nano second squat and trot back to the house as though she were done. I also had to tell her "No, go. Do your business. Rain or shine." Silly doggies.