How to Stop a Dog from Peeing in a Crate

Stop a Dog Peeing in a Crate

If a dog is wetting or peeing in a crate, there's usually a good reason for it. Dogs and puppies can't tell us what's going on, so it's our job to find out. Here's how to know why a dog is having accidents in a crate and what to do about it.

Instructions

1. BATHROOM BREAKS Every dog and puppy needs frequent bathroom breaks. While a dog may be able to hold its urine longer than a puppy, it still needs to go every few hours. If you won't be able to offer your dog or puppy a bathroom break for more than a couple hours, make sure they have a decent chance to go before they are crated. Allow them time to sniff around and urinate multiple times, if that is your dog's routine.

2. FEAR Many dogs, especially puppies, experience fear in a crate. This is especially true when they are alone in the house for any length of time. An excellent way to eliminate a dog or puppy's fear is to cover their crate on the back and sides. This provides a comforting shelter for a dog. Also, consider giving your dog an indestructible toy to play with. Make sure it is a toy that they won't choke on and one that reminds them of the people they love.

3. TOO MUCH JOY Your dog or puppy may not be peeing in their crate until they hear you enter the house. They might be great at holding it when you're not home, but their excitement upon your return can be too much to handle. To fix this, make sure you return from your outings in a calm manner. Don't lavish your dog with attention until they have had the chance to empty their bladder. Establish a routine with your dog so they know that, even when the door opens and you come walking in, the love fest won't start until they have gone to the bathroom outdoors.

4. TOO MUCH SPACE Most crates come with dividers, but many people don't really understand the use of a divider. The piece of caging that goes inside the crate can be used to reduce the open space your dog has. Your dog should have enough room to stand up and turn around, but not enough to make a mess and avoid it by lounging in the opposite end of the crate. Reduce the open space and give your dog or puppy a chance to see how unpleasant it is to rest in their own urine. Most dogs are very uncomfortable resting where they void.

5. NO NEWSPAPERS If you are using pads or newspapers to make accidents easier to clean up, you are likely contributing to the problem. Newspaper provides a separate space for your dog, giving them the impression that it is not part of their personal "pee free" zone. It also absorbs urine, protecting your dog or puppy from the natural consequence (discomfort) that comes with going pee in the crate.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog or puppy continues having accidents in his or her crate even after these issues have been addressed, speak to a vet. There may be an undiscovered medical problem.

Resources

• HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DOG'S TEETH NATURALLY WITH ICE
• HOW TO GET YOUR PICK OF THE LITTER PUPPY DOG
• HOW TO DEAL WITH A HYPER ACTIVE DOG
• More Articles by Kate Downs