Ask the Trainer - Frenchie Girl Pees in Crate
gollygear May 22nd, 2008
Hi Hope,
I have 2 French bulldogs. One since a puppy and he is a great dog. He is almost 5 yrs. We decided to get another back in February when we saw a posting for a 2 1/2 yr old female who belonged to a breeder, no longer being bred. Needed a good home. She is very sweet and has become good friends with our 1st dog.
However she urinates in her crate almost every night. I take her out last minute before bed and grab her 1st thing 6am to go back out. Usually too late.
She has had very few accidents anywhere in the house. Our other dogs is very good and never messes in the house. Can you give me some idea as to how to help her break this habit.
Thanks so much!
Hope writes -
It is extremely difficult to stop a dog from urinating in her crate if it truly is a habit. My first concern, especially since she has had puppies, is your girl’s medical condition. If you have not addressed the issue of her overnight urination with your veterinarian, please do so right away. There are medications that can help if her problem is health-related.
If she has no medical issues and it truly is a habit, I would first consider the size of her crate. If she’s able to get away from the mess, it may not bother her. Crates should be large enough so that the dog can stand up, turn around, sit, or lie down. That’s it. If the crate is too large and she can escape the consequences of her misbehavior, block off the back. Many crates/cages have a movable partition for this purpose. If yours doesn’t, you can use a box, if she shows no inclination to chew cardboard.
If she was used as a brood bitch in a kennel situation, she may have lived most of her life in a cage and the standard rules of housebreaking may not apply. If she had nowhere else to eliminate, she doesn’t know that dogs are supposed to keep their beds clean. You may need to consult a professional trainer in your area to evaluate your situation and help you find creative ways to train your girl. Your veterinarian may have a recommendation, or you may find a good trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
If you do seek professional help - keep in mind that you are your dog’s advocate. Don’t allow anyone to do anything with her or to her that makes you uncomfortable. There are many wonderful trainers out there. Talk to the person you’re considering, try to see them in “action” and be sure their philosophy coincides with your own.
Hope
- French Bulldog Training
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