[red98vett]

I honestly think you may have temper issues - crating him for punishment isn't going to work - and one day you may have a very timid dog that won't be able to help himself out of FEAR and you don't want that.

Hitting him was wrong and you know that - you said so yourself - but I'm more concerned over the anger you showed by shaking him - you've heard about 'shaken baby syndrom' right ? That can cause brain damage

I've been having issues with Cheri - she's much older than your puppy and when she has an 'accident' I do the ' NO CHERI' thing - pick her up and take her to her pad and tell her "THIS IS WHERE YOU DO YOUR BUSINESS".....she knows cause if I catch her looking for a spot she'll run right to her pad. I don't 'punish' her because she already knows she wasn't susposed to go on the floor. She's getting the message but I'd never hit her or get mad....when you gotta go - you GOTTA go !

Your baby is just 6 months old - still a very young puppy and what's a little poop when they give us so much love ? I suggest you try to think of the worse things out there in life we have to deal with before you take out your anger on him.....and please - don't crate him over that !! It doesnt work like a time out for real kids....

Give him time - and BIG PRAISE when he goes outside or wherever you're training him to go and be consistent. Throw a parade if you have to when he goes but eventually he'll get it.....but no crate !! that's like throwing him in jail for a crime he didn't commit - he's a PUPPY - that's what puppies DO.