I just adopted a three-year-old Chihuahua from my local humane society about two months ago. He is so laid-back, just the sweetest dog. Unfortunately he is now using his crate as his bathroom. My fiance and I work opposite schedules, so he's constantly being taken outside to go about his business. But when he doesn't poop, he will do it in his crate. The other problem is that I have no idea what sort of system he was use to with his previous owners. Any ideas of how I can get him to learn he must do his business outside?

he should be getting fed twice a day - then about 20 minutes later taken out on his leash. no playing just walked to his potty spot & start using a specific word such as potty for him to associate with.

when he is out there to potty that is not play time. walking stimulates the bowels so walk him around the yard when he should need to go.

with being one of the tiny ones you don't want him to go to long between meals & his glucose can drop enough to cause seizures.

[lil mutt]

I saw this resource about crate training. If you want to know more about crate training check the link below... i hope this will help you...


Crate Training | The Humane Society of the United States

[Yogi]

one issue to consider, how large is the crate. it should be just large enough to stand, turn around and lay down in. Over that size is allowing him space to do his business. As Sue state, walking or actually playing will stimulate the metabolism which will help with the dogs need to have a bowel movement.
Good Luck.

Originally Posted by Yogi

one issue to consider, how large is the crate. it should be just large enough to stand, turn around and lay down in. Over that size is allowing him space to do his business. As Sue state, walking or actually playing will stimulate the metabolism which will help with the dogs need to have a bowel movement.
Good Luck.

very true...most dogs will not go to the bathroom where they sleep, so if the crate is large enough for him to have a separate area to pee in, you need to get a smaller crate.

The best product I have seen to help with this is the Happy Jack Dog Diaper. You can pick them up here: Happy Jack Best Dog Diapers - belly wraps with the non-slip strap

Originally Posted by LiLChimi

I just adopted a three-year-old Chihuahua from my local humane society about two months ago. He is so laid-back, just the sweetest dog. Unfortunately he is now using his crate as his bathroom. My fiance and I work opposite schedules, so he's constantly being taken outside to go about his business. But when he doesn't poop, he will do it in his crate. The other problem is that I have no idea what sort of system he was use to with his previous owners. Any ideas of how I can get him to learn he must do his business outside?

The size of the crate is really important when it come to this issue. You should make sure that the crate is larger enough for your dog to be able to stand and turn (pretty easy with a Chihuahua) but it should not be large enough where he can eliminate on one end and sleep in another. If your crate is too big close of an area to suit the size of your dog.

I know that this was mentioned earlier but it can't be stressed enough, especially if your dog isn't housebroken.