I'm no expert, but based on what I have read in books you need to do the following:
1. Clean out the crate really really well with a neutralizer like Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution. You want to make sure that the pee and poo smells are out of there. Change the bedding if you have too.
2. You say the crate is miniscule compared to the sheltie crate, but is it too big (right now) for you puppy. You need to stuff the crate with cardboard or something that will only give the puppy room to stand, turn and lay down (no more room than that).
2. On the new clean bedding and crate sprinkle some of his food, or treats all over. You can even spread some liver paste or peanut butter on the sides of walls. (You are trying to make this his den and a happy place) Keep the door open during periods you are with him and let him go in there eating and licking. You can even do this when you are ready for him to go in there for the night.
3. Set you alarm and wake up every 2-3-4 hours, whatever it takes so the puppy learns that going to the bathroom is only "outside" the crate, not in the crate.
I would start off doing that and see what happens. |