Need help with crate training

[Erika & Perry]

Perry is 12 weeks and 4 days. He joined our family when he was 11 weeks exactly. For his first 9 nights, he slept successfully in his crate. He did not have any accidents at all.

Then something happened this past Monday. We were going to be away from home for about 3 hours in the late afternoon into the evening. We were delayed out of our control for about 5 hours and didn't think of calling anyone to let him out. He ended up pooping in his crate which I totally understand and take responsibility for.

But now, the next two nights (overnight that same night and last night) he has also pooped in his crate. He did poop three times outside yesterday throughout the day.

He has a large crate and we have the puppy divider in it. How do we keep him from pooping in it again?

[Pam & Trixie]

I too would put him on a 3 meal schedule.  His last meal being 6pm at the latest.

We set our alarm twice a night when we got Trixie- granted she was 8 weeks old.  But If it prevents accidents it was worth it.

If you mean the part of the crate he has is 22 x 26 I would make it smaller. 

 

Good Luck!  Something will work!

 

[Erika & Perry]

Yes, that is what I meant.  I did make it smaller- just enough for him to lie down and turn around if necessary.  He looks a little tight in there to me, but he didn't seem to complain.  I went out for about 2 hours and he didn't have any accidents.  (though yesterday during the day for about the same time he did ok too.)

 

Crossing my fingers for tonight!  His usual go to bed time is about 11-11:30pm and he's been getting up at 6am (even the nights he didn't soil the crate less one or two where he cried in the middle of the night and I took him out.)  Should I get up with him between that?

[Carol Brand]

No.  Don't take him out in between.  Getting up in the middle of the night is bad habit.  If he poops in the 9:30-11:30 time frame, he should be able to hold it until morning.

 

 

[Erika & Perry]

No accidents last night!  He woke up at 6am, went poop outside and then came inside.  He started circling around the kitchen, we took him back outside and he pooped again.

 

Thank you all for your help!

 

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Yippee!!!!  Glad that we could help!