[tamaradls]

I just got my 1year old dash hound from a shelter. I assume he was always in a crate because it does not bother him to sleep and pee in his crate. He is use to the pee in his crate. What do I do?

[sharonrose]

I had this same problem when I first got my dogs (boston terrier and a yorkie) I don't know how big your crate is but my problem was that the crate was too big for the dog. They had room to pee and sleep. I downsized the crate and got one that was only big enough for him to stand, lay, and turn around. That was the end of that... unless they are left too long... they are like us.. they can only hold it so long.
Good luck!

[labman]

I am sure such problems stem from poor early care. Many of the people with litters of new born puppies are entirely without a clue on proper care or even understand they have an obligation to learn how to do it right or spay their dogs.

In some cases, a smaller crate does help, but many times no. You may be able to buy or make a divider to reduce its size. One thing that does keep down the mess while working on the problem is a grid in the crate. All the details you need on that and many other things are in the sticky starting at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802 Even the best cared for puppies will have accidents at first.



Many puppies can't make it overnight until after 2 months old. They also should not be left in the crate more than 4-5 hours without a mid day break. Until 3 months old, they still need a meal then too. If you can't give your puppy a break, find a neighbor or professional dog walker that can.

With good housebreaking technique, not leaving the puppy too long, and the right sized crate, it could decide it likes being dry eventually and no longer need the grid. In some cases, it is important to make the puppy exercise when you have it out to stimulate elimination. I always am careful to walk a puppy around before taking it in a public place. I am even more careful to have clean up materials with me.