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Originally Posted by serendipity418  Actually, I was told by a trainer that putting them in their pen teaches dogs that you are the pack leader, and you control when they play or not. Also, scolding them before putting them in the pen will help them build a connection between the bad behavior and the removal from play. |
I wanted to let you know that I'm a trainer/behaviorist, and I do agree that crating can help you establish pack leadership by letting you control where your dog is at. However, scolding the dog before placing him in the crate will make the connection that crate=punishment, and this is NOT what the crate is supposed to represent.
Has anything changed in your dog's life? A move? New pet? New baby? New work hours or living arrangements? Is the dog spayed? If not, your dog may be possibly going into heat, which will actually trigger the "potty every where" mentality, as the scent is laid to let males know that time's a comin'!
For dogs that my clients have potty, chewing, or even obedience problems with, I have them keep their dog on leash, with the leash attached (threaded through) their belt or around their waist. This allows you to have the dog in sight at all times, and also enforces your leadership by giving the dog no choice other than to follow you.
If things have not changed in the house hold, or if the dog is not going into heat, then I really suggest taking her to a vet and rule out any health conditions that may be causing her to forget her house training.
Good luck!
You can visit my website for house training advice, and this may help you through this period of time!
