I don't know if this will work but its just a suggestion. I'm guessing your pup actually goes in the crate. Maybe you can put a towel or small blanket or something in there and maybe he will go on it. Then each time you go out you can take the towel outside and set it on the grass maybe he will smell it and go on it or grass around it. Keep taking him to the same place with the towel then after he has gone a few times maybe the area will small like it and you can quit taking the towel. Just an idea don't know if it will work or not.
I read once that you are training them to go outside praise them for even doing something that seems like he's going to go. Like if he is circling a little bit or is smelling out a place to go. Then you've let them know its ok to go there. It worked for us but we weren't in the same situation as you, with the pet store/crate thing, so I don't know if it will help you.
Good luck, I'm sure he'll come around soon enough.
__________________ Courtney |