She is a young dog and is confused. Most dogs do not potty on command....even well trained ones. They go when they have to go. Usually a dog will have to potty after holding it all night and if she did not do it right away it could be he bladder was empty or she just was unsure about where she is supposed to go. Putting her in a crate before she has emptied herself is only going to serve to teach her to potty in the crate.
Maybe try getting up a bit earlier and taking her for a walk before you leave. Many times a dog is more prone to potty when they smell where some other dog or animals has already gone. You could also try taking her to the same spot each time you take her out and give her a word to learn that would indicate she is supposed to go potty. Don't leave that area until she has done her duty. When she does go give her a treat right there as soon as she has done it. Give her lots of praise so she knows that is what you were waiting for and then take her right in. Using the same area each time will create a scent that will trigger her to go there each time.
It is going to take some time for her to un-learn what she had already been taught and re-learn what you want her to know. You need to learn how to time how often she needs to go out and eventually she will start showing you when she needs to go.
You might want to consider getting her a doggy playpen for while you are at work. It's just not good for a dog to be in a crate for 8 to 10 hours a day. It can lead to behavioral problems later on. If she sleeps all day while you are gone she is going to need a lot of exercise and attention when you get home and are ready to wind down.
I hope things work out for you and your new baby dog. Sounds like the poor thing has been through a lot. |