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Italian Greyhound · Feb 1, 2007, 03:12 PM

Hi I have an Italian greyhound he is 8months. He is in a crate when I go to work in the morning from 8am to 1pm and doesn't urinate in his crate. My girlfriend comes home and walks him at 1pm he goes to the bathroom.When I get home at 4pm 80% of the time he releives himself on the floor.I don't understand he hold his urine for 5 hours but when he is put back into the crate he can't hold it for 3hours.My dog never urinates in the house when I am home do you think he is doing it on purpose.If you have an suggestions on this problem. He definitely can hold it for 7hours when I am home with no problems.

labman · Feb 1, 2007, 04:55 PM

There are a few things that may help. It is great that your girlfriend can give him a mid day break. She might work at walking him around a little more possibly encouraging him to completely empty his bladder.

Part of the problem could be excitement. Perhaps give him a little to adjust to you being home before letting him out of the crate.

And it is possible it is deliberate. 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 For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

Neutering him will also help if not already. It is no cure all, but a big help with the leadership issues.