[Dfett62]

My puppy is about six months old, and we trained her to use a crate (litter box) and she was doing great, she would always go in there, but the last couple of days she wouldn't use it, she would sometimes go to it but then leave and go on the carpet or sometimes even just step her front half in and still go outside the crate. Do you know why she might be doing this??

Thanks

[labman]

A dog's instinct is to withdraw from the pack's living quarters to relieve itself, not to use a spot within it. I think your best idea is to start over again training it to go outside if possible. I guess you start by taking the litter box outside. Many of the details you need are in the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809 You need to learn the signs it need to go out and train it to go to the door.

[PJFNME]

Hi! I sent you a private message as well.. but, I just wanted you to know that I am also having this problem with my 13 week old Cavalier/Bichon mix. I honestly don't think it is because she would rather go "outside" because she has never had a problem with using the litter box before. I have several friends who have successfully litter trained their dogs so I know that it can be done. I just have no idea what causes a dog to suddenly stop doing what they had been doing successfully for so long. There has to be something that causes it and something that we can do to change the behavior back to the way it was. If anyone else knows anything.. please let us know! Thanks!

[labman]

It might help if you carefully followed the instructions in the Housebreaking sticky using the pads in place of the outdoor spot. See https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809

I can't guarantee it. Dogs locate the proper spot with their nose. They then squat right there anointing a place the length of their body away from where they sniffed. Males are a little more careful to hit the tree or mailbox post.