Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

Here is the main problem we have. Our puppy is just a few days over 8 weeks. We're having a big issue with Kennel training. First off maybe I should ask if Kennel training a malamute is a good idea?

First night he slept in our bed. No issues.(We tried this again later and when we set him in the bed and got ready ourselves he had peed all over so no more of that)

The second night we put him in the kennel, we left him in there with a stuffed toy. My girlfriend went down after an hour of constant and loud whining. When she got down there he had deficated in his kennel, chewed the giraffes arm off, and smeared poop onto his bone, toy and self.

We ended up taking shifts sleeping with him downstaris and had no issues the rest of the night.

Since then, we've left him in the kennel on two occasions for around 3 hours-ish. Both times he's urinated in the kennel and consequently absorbed most of it with his thick coat.

Today will be test number 4 as he was left alone in his kennel around 8:30AM and I will be home close to 11:30AM to let him out, then in kennel from the time I leave, around 11:45 to about 4:00-4:30.

Am I doing something wrong? We have another dog who we had no problems kennel training, she's an English Mastiff and was around 10-11 weeks old when we got her. HELP! I don't mind losing a little sleep taking him out, but cleaning urine off him and the floor constantly is getting difficult.

I think it's a great idea to kennel train. Your dog is young and will probably have accidents every now and then, but going out on a regular basis should help. How often do you go for walks? (It sounds like you go plenty--just wondering what the schedule is.) Also, I'd take everything out that he's peed or pooped on (even if it's been washed) and put in new toys/blankets. The smell can remain even on items that have been washed, and your dog might be marking over the scent. A stuffed Kong (kibble and a little plain yogurt frozen) can help with anxiety and keep him occupied as well. Good luck.

Did this puppy come from a pet store or a place that didn't teach it that it's living space is not a bathroom? If that's the case, you have a lot of work to do and I don't ahve much experience with that. Are you sure this puppy is 8 weeks old? It's acting younger.

If that isn't the case, it's still tough to kennel train a dog that feels it's ok to deficate in a crate. A vet check needs to be done ASAP to rule out medical issues.

If the pup comes back clear of health issues, put the crate in your room with you. That will easy the pup's fear of being alone. Us a Kong toy stuffed with frozen plain yogart and/or peanut butter. The toy will distract him and hopefully work out some of the excess energy.

There are more drastic measures to take if those don't work, but for now try that.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles