Question of the Day: Urine Marking in the Crate

This is the most recent question I've received by email.  It's a good one.  Keep 'em coming.

I have a 8month old Boxer Pitbull mix in one of my beginner classes. He is male and was altered at 5 months old. He is house trained and crate trained, but if there is anything in his crate, he strategically pees on it. If Frankie's owner puts even a small towel or t-shirt in there, he will position himself so he pees on the object. When the crate is empty he doesn't go. He doesn't go anywhere else in the house either - only if there is something in the crate. He will pee on his stuff too, even his squeaky plush toys. Also, he pees on things both when he is left alone in the crate and when Samantha is still in the room.  So its not just when he is left alone in the crate. What do you think about this?

Andrea M.


It sounds like the puppy is marking objects to be definitively his--his crate, his stuff. First, make sure the dog has urinated directly before it is crated. Also, make sure the kennel is the appropriate size for the dog. A crate that is too big would provide the puppy with a dry place to lie down after it had urinated inside. I would remove everything from the crate the dog would pee on. Then, I would try feeding the dog in the kennel exclusively. This would help discourage the dog from peeing in that space. Some dogs will urinate on food too. In that case remove everything including food and treats. You said the dog will pee on objects when the Pet Parent is there. If the dog knows the "leave it " cue or a conditioned punisher like "uh, uh!" or "no," then you could set up a training session. Place something in the crate that the dog might want to mark, then have the pet parent stay nearby to say "leave it" or "uh, uh!" the moment the dog appeared ready to pee. When the dog looks up from the item, click or say "good" and toss a treat in the kennel. Do a few reps then immediately take the dog outside to urinate and praise and reward the dog then too. There should be nothing in the kennel when the dog is unsupervised.


Eventually you could try placing a washable bed in the kennel, or wrapping the plastic bottom tray with a blanket so that it can't be moved around easily. Make the crate comfortable and clean. Teach the dog "leave it." Feed the dog in the crate. And have the Pet Parent watch closely when there is something in the crate so she is able to take the dog out every time it appears like it might pee in there.

Thank ou for the great question.  I hope this response helps.  Email me if you need more help or if you want me to answer privately.  When you send in questions, I will publish the question answer on my blog unless you say otherwise.

Celebrate your big day with cake!

        Last night Bella the Yorkie, Bella the Bichon, Sophie the mini Aussie, Duffy the Poodle cross and Spirit the Bichon all completed Puppy class with near perfect attendance for all of them! Bella the Yorkie's owner brought a cake from her favorite doggie bakery Three Dog Bakery in San Clemente.
Congratulations, piggies--I mean puppies! From the pictures, you can tell they had a great time!


I can't wait to see them all in the next class.

Welcome to OC Smart Pets

Happy New Year and welcome to OC Smart Pets. I wanted to make it easier for people to get information about their dogs' classes and find out about local dog-related events and the latest dog-related news. I will soon be posting graduation pictures and a calendar of upcoming classses and events.

Let me tell you what's new in '09! I am excited to tell you that as a CGC-approved evaluator for the AKC, I will be including the AKC STAR Puppy program as a part of my puppy class curriculum. STAR stands for Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility. The program requires the Pet Parent at least six weeks of classes and demonstrate 20 behaviors including a test at the end of the class. Those who successfully complete the requirements will be given a application to send to the AKC for a certificate and medal and other valuable resources. This is a wonderful new program to encourage puppy training and environment enrichment for a well-adjusted family pet. For more detailed information visit the AKC website.

There will also be several free potty training seminars in January. The first one is January 13 Tuesday at 6pm. The second is January 18, Sunday at 6pm and finally January 24 Saturday at 12pm. This is your chance to meet the trainers and get some tips about potty and crate training. We will also be talking about other issues that accompany the arrival of a new puppy like introducing the new dog to other pets in the family. How to children should act around the new puppy and other important topics. Your pets are welcome of course but not necessary for this informative hour-long seminar. Sign up in advance to ensure there is space for everyone interested.

I will also have a booth at the 6th Annual CARE Car show Saturday January 31 from 8am to 2pm at the Capistrano Sports Park. The proceeds from this event support the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort. Leashed pets are welcome and there will be refreshments available for purchase and vendors and live music. I will be there handing out goodies for pets and talking to people about dog training and raffling off free dog training classes and other prizes. I hope you can make it that day.

I want everyone to start getting ready for the 2nd Annual Puppy Love Yappy Hour! There will be a best-dressed, best kiss and a best trick contest plus pictures, prizes and refreshments. Bring your dog and their date and celebrate on Tuesday February 10th from 6-8pm.