Hello All, Thanks in advance for your help. I am happy to have found this site.


I have read some of the questions and comments about Pet Store puppies. I wish I had known, but its to late for that. I have a Lab that I bought from a breeder. He is 2.5 years old and neutered. Very calm and nice. I bought a 4 month old Westie boy from the pet store a couple of weeks ago.

After reading the discussions on here, I know its going to be hard to housebreak him as he is use to going in his Den. I know its going to take a while to break the habit, but somebody please tell me it will get better.

Since he has gone in his little crate a couple times, we have tried a few things. Right now my plan is to get him use to going any place but in his little crate. When we are gone for a long period I will put his little crate in a big wire crate lined with news paper, that we use to use for our Lab. He now goes in the bigger crate, but at least not in the smaller crate. Of course we try out best to get him to go outside if possible, but we can't stand out there all day. Unfortunately we really can't come home during the day so I now this does not help the situation.

I have though about putting him in the big crate outside during the day so he can at least get use to going outside. Or at least he can get use to going on newspaper and then we move the news paper outside.

I do wonder if my older lab can teach the pup anything. Should I put the crate in the room with my lab at night?

You have reviewed the sticky starting at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802

Walking the dog outside until it does go, and then praising it should be a big help.

That crate within a crate is sort of a novel idea, and maybe will help. It is very important to give the dog a chance to eliminate away from its nest. I would like to think things will get better. I see many questions here from people whose dogs are fouling the crate, but few reports about whether what I suggest ever helps. People seldom post back and say it didn't work either. When it is a problem I have had and solved, I am confident about what I suggest.

It is important to give the dog a mid day break and maybe a third meal. Could you find neighbor or a professional dog walker? I think your dog is too young for doggy day care.