Help!!! We don't seem to have any luck housebreaking!! We now have a Samoyed puppy (11 weeks). She urinates in her cage (I thought they weren't supposed to do that!!) She just doesn't seem to have good control...she doesn't sniff around..she just squats! Will she develop control when she gets a little older?? I take her out about every two hours, watch her water and food intake, and I think do every thing I'm supposed to?? At my wit's end, - Trish

Hi Trish, Hang in there !
First, check the size of her crate. It should be just be enough for her to comfortably lay down. If she has enough room to wander about - shorten down the crate. You can purchase crate shortening kits at your local pet supply store. Sometimes, the metal wired rack from your oven will serve the purpose just fine (use thick wire to fasten it to the crate). Don't use wood or cardboard to block off parts of the crate. Next, empty the crate of EVERYTHING. Clean the crate with a 1-4 solution of vinegar and water. Make sure the ONLY things inside the crate are chew toys such as sterilized marrow bones, Kongs, etc. - no blankets, pillows, rags, newspaper. Watch her water intake ! Take her out often. Tire her out. Keep her on leash in the house as long as you're with her. Don't let her out of your sight - even for a moment. If you get distracted, busy or just plain tired of chasing her around - put her in the crate with a chew toy. Good luck and, once again, hang in there.

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