Help! I have a 13 week old Yorkie Poo, Gigi, and we have had her for 4 weeks.

We introduced her to her crate when she got home, and within 2 days she didn't bark anymore. She is used to the crate. It is small for her, and in the beginning we had a towel in there for her comfort. We quickly learned that she had no issue pottying in her crate on the towel. So with advice from friends with dogs, we took out the towel.

We take her out once every 2 hours (at least) for potty and she has learned where to go (litter box on outside porch. The only time she goes potty is in her litter box or in her crate.

How do I get her to stop going in her crate? It's a disaster at night!

Thanks!!!!

I am by-no-means and expert, however, I just successfully housetrained my 2nd dog so maybe I can help.... it sounds like your dog could be small...the crate should only be big enough for her to lie down. I think you should put a pillow in there- maybe with a waterproof cover then get a package of pillowcases to change when she goes--- I think in order for it to feel valuable enough for her to NOT go she has to feel like it's her den. Make sure all the pee smell is gone (I use Nature's Miracle). And, I would teach her a word for going (I call it "business") take her outside tell her to go and if she does she gets a treat, if not- back in and try again in 15 min. or so. I couldn't do this when I was at work (when he was really small) so I left the door open and did "long term confinement" (shut off the foyer in the house with just the crate, a pee-pee pad, and water). Maybe you could bring the litter box in? I got this all from books by Ian Dunbar (the short term and long term confinement thing- the crate with the door shut is obviously short term confinement only used for as long as they can hold it successfully). Good luck!

My 5 month old yorkie was going in her crate at night too until I was told by a trainer to take away her water at night and take her out at night to potty right before bed to be sure she emptys out her bowl, hope that helps. So far she does not go in her crate anymore and I have been able to put a comfy towel for her now that she does not go in her crate anymore.

Have you had he checked at the vet clinic for any physical problems? Perhaps she has a weak bladder, or if it's poop you're dealing with, possibly something to do with her bowels. Just a thought.