Toilet accidents outside the crate - 2009-04-24

Question

We have two cocker spaniels. They are fed once a day in the early morning and are taken out frequently throughout the day. We have recently tried to allow them to sleep outside of their cage but locked into the kitchen of our home. This worked once or twice, however now every morning, and sometimes during the night, we find that they have used the bathroom, "number 2". Why is this happening and how may we stop it?!?!.... Help!!

Answer

We always recommend to feeding dogs 2x day – morning and early evening and if you allow for the 8-9 hrs in the system, you get an idea of what would happen. I would toilet the dogs in a controlled environment before allowing them to go to sleep to minimise accidents. Crates are very good for learning toilet control as a dog normally does not foul its den (which is what the crate should be). It is personal preference, but a closed crate – provided it is the right size – is a great way of controlling these issues. Maybe when the dogs are a little older they will have better control. If these are mature dogs you could have some dominance marking issues. Disinfect the floor and clean it with white vinegar solution to remove ALL scent before you have another go. If the scent remains, your problem will remain! If needed get help from a good behavioural trainer.