Crate training

[Sarah]

I have an 8 month old mini Golden Doodle. We have been crate training her since we got her at 8 weeks old. The original crate that we had for her was pretty small and after she reached 16 lbs we figured it was time to upgrade. We ended up buying one about 4 times the size of the original. Now when we leave her alone in the crate she pees all over herself. Even if I just leave the house for 5 minutes. I read that this happens sometimes when a dogs crate is too big. I cleaned it out really good today to get rid of the urine smell and I put a divider in so it would be more snug. That didn't work. I think it might have something to do with her anxiety. If i brush my teeth or change out of my pajama pants she will assume I am going to leave and run under the bed and start shaking like crazy. I am just looking for some ideas to get her to stop peeing in her crate. I don't want her to smell like urine anymore! Thanks in advance for any ideas :)

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I know you said the crate is larger, but is it the same style of crate as before? I do think adding the divider is important. Too much space will equal potty in the crate. 

You can make the crate "fun" and safe again since she seems anxious.  Say crate, in she goes, in goes a few pieces of kibble, door shut for a few minutes. Let her out shortly, then repeat. Make it a fun game, in I go, positive reward. I'm not talking about a handful of kibble, just a few pieces accompanied by a happy voice! 

[Deborah Brown]

Did she have a problem with the original crate?  If not, then she doesn't see this new crate as a safe place like the previous one.  Is it possible to have both crates available for awhile so she can slowly adjust?

And, yes, your dog does have an anxiety issue.  Many dogs have separation anxiety and fear being left alone.  This is a lot of help available for this on the internet.  Here is one resource from another doodle mom:

http://www.dogseparationanxietycure.com/

You want to work on this right away before it becomes a bigger problem.  Good luck with your sweet girl.