more on crate training please

[Kato's_dad]

Ok we've had Kato 4 days now and she's doing great as far as daytime crate training no accidents at all the problem seems to be at night, first 2 nights she woke up every 2 hrs and we took her outside to the washroom, but the last 2 nights she has woken up every 2 hours but has already messed in the crate. Today I even moved her last feeding up an hour made sure she went to the washroom before putting her in the crate but again an accident. I know accidents happen and that's what I've written it off as but I also don't want her making this a habit is their any advice or is it just a patience thing that will pass as she get's older? She is only 7 weeks old so I'm not worried just concerned that she may decide nighttime accidents can keep her out of the cold.

 

[Baileysmom]

I am nowhere near an expert, But How big is the crate? Some times if the crate is too big they will mess. Try blocking the crate so there is just enough room for them to stand up, turn around and lay down. Bailey was pretty good and only messed once and she was sick so Just as long as she was in the crate it really didn't matter what size it was. And you could try giving a treat each time that they go potty. With a lot of praise.

Baileysmom
Tanya

 

[GoCougs]

I agree with Baileysmom on this one. Our Annie is 11 weeks, and (knock on wood) she was house broken in just a week being home with us. She hasn't messed in the house in over 2 weeks, and goes to the door now. (A little brag ) We're still working on the crate ourselves.

We bought her a full size crate, and for the first few night we found she would get up in the night, go to one corner to do her business (only #1, never #2), and then go back and sleep in the opposite corner. Naturally. So we went and purchased a crate divider to force the issue with her. She pees, she has to lay in it until we get up to take her out. Accidents happened a few times, but she has been good about waiting or waking us to go outside. We keep her in the crate while we're at work, and accidents happen (again only #1, never #2), but she just can't hold it the whole time we're gone. However, we just clean it up and have patience.

I'm not worried just concerned that she may decide nighttime accidents can keep her out of the cold.

By all means, still take her outside even if she messes in her crate. If that is the case, she has to know that taking care of business inside doesn't save her the agony of the cold/rain/snow/etc. outside.

Good luck.

 

[Kato's_dad]

we put her in a smaller crate and you guys were right she stopped the accidents, she's almost completely housebroken now at 8 weeks old wooohoooo :D
Only problem now is she whines and barks a little more in the smaller crate she's not a big fan of it just yet.
Thanks for all the advice guys keep it coming