If by any chance this pup came from a pet store or from a breeder that raises pups on wire this may be your problem - the pup may be habituated to eliminating in the crate.
One way around this issue is to tether the puppy to you - this means he won't be out of your sight where he can potty in the house without your knowing and you can rush him outside to potty if you catch him in the act. Better your hand gets dirty than the pup finishes pottying indoors!
Alternatively there is potential the pup is too dependent on you and is actually showing separation anxiety when left alone in the crate.
Independence type training may help with this.
Here is some advice on this site if you think this may be the problem
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_SeparationAnx.html
read it and see if this seems to fit your pup's behavior.
Also pups are not stupid - if the pup finds that pottying in the crate gets the pup out of being in the crate - well the pup could do it to tell you it wants out!
To aid you in cleaning up if you do need to crate the pup at times, consider purchasing what is called an exercise pen for dogs (www.petedge.com and many others carry these) and put the crate inside the pen with the door open or off the crate and papers or other absorbant materials on the floor inside the pen. The pup should learn to sleep in the crate and potty outside of it which is a step closer to what you want plus its lots easier than washing crate and pup up every time!
Depending on the pup putting up a baby gate to close off a small room area (laundry room or bath for example) with the crate as the only soft sleeping space can also work.
I feed my dogs in their crates and often give them really good chew things to have in them too so they like their crates and are comfortable going in there for 'bedtime' or meals or just to travel safely.
Hope this helps you out!
PS keep up the positive reinforcement for correct potty location use and make sure to use an enzyme type cleaner such as Natures Miracle, Simple Solution, Odor Mute etc to clean up any accidents in the house.
Edited by NHolmes on April 11 2005 at 10:10am
__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
