[Luckyone]

I got Bella at 4 months old. And she's been crate trained. From the beginning, she'd had problems where she soils in her crate. I've tried blocking it down to make it smaller so she only has room to lay down. And also giving her more room to keep the potty and sleeping area seperate.

The backyard breeder I got Bella from, had her and many other dogs (probably 15-20 others) in a penned off area and a door that led to an outside area for pottying. Tho I'm sure they potty'd inside too.

I believe this has gotten Bella used to pottying where she sleeps.

This is our and Bella's schedule:

Get up: 6:30 am
Bella in crate: 7:15 am to 1:15 pm
Me home for lunch, break for Bella: 1:15 pm to 1:45pm
Bella in crate: 1:45 pm to 4:45/5:00
Husband home from work (Bella out): 4:45/5:00 pm
Bella's free time: 4:45/5:00 pm to 10ish pm
Bella in crate for bed: 10ish pm to 6:30 am

On weekends, she's only in her crate at night (sometimes sleeps with us) or if we leave the house (usually only for an hour or two)

I bought a small crate, large enough for her to lay down in, but I hesitate to leave her in it while we're gone. I know they need room to play etc. But we're not getting anywhere with crate training since she constantly messes in it. And I'm tiring of washing sheets and her crate.

I'm not so worried about when Bella's out of her kennel. Either she goes outside or on her pee pads.

Sorry this is so long. I'm just hoping someone has some ideas. I've been searching on the internet too and I'm not getting anywhere.