Question:
I have just adopted an 11 year old ****zu/terrier. She's going through a lot of adjustments right now...including moving in with us! Her former owner has cancer, and can't look after her anymore. She was never crate trained, however our dog is and we would like her to be also. We have had her for 2 weeks now, and I started to introduce her to the crate the second day she was here (we had her over prior to this so she does know our house). She was reluctant to go into the crate at first, but with treats and encouragement she did manage to get in by the end of the day. At night we had her in our room in the crate, and she settled fine...until we closed the door. She made a bit of a fuss but settled within 10 min. From this past weekend she has started to urinate in the crate. I've shortened the crate so that she doesn't have too much room. I've also made sure she goes out before putting her in the crate. She is just finishing antibiotic treatment for a kidney problem, so it shouldn't be an infection. She will pee when excited , or when in a room with the door closed. Any ideas?? I don't like to leave her out while we are gone because we come home to an occasional mess.

Answer:
sounds like you have it all under control, really. you're doing it all right.

my only suggestion is to maybe try an x-pen instead of a crate, since she's a reasonably small dog? perhaps set up a corner of your room, or kitchen, with an x-pen to contain her, but she won't be all "closed in". it may be less stressfull for her, and less anxiety may help with fewer accidents.

she may also just need more time. 2 wks isn't long, considering she's in a new home (even though she's familiar), missing her owner, being introduced to a crate, etc...

it's nice of you to take in this dog!

Answer: