The majority of dogs learn how to pee outdoors pretty quickly. Just like us, dogs don’t like to wet the bed! But from time to time, accidents happen, and some dogs may frequently pee in their crates for one or more reasons.
Today, let’s explore why your dog may be peeing in their crate and break down some strategies you can use to stop the habit for good.
Are you finding unwelcome surprises in your puppy’s crate? You’re not alone! As a dog owner who’s been through the frustrating journey of puppy potty training, I know exactly how it feels to discover those little puddles in what should be your pup’s clean sleeping area. The good news is that this common problem has solutions, and I’m here to share them with you.
The Midnight Puddle Mystery: Why It Happens
Young puppies peeing in their crates isn’t just annoying—it’s confusing! After all. aren’t dogs supposed to be naturally clean animals who avoid soiling their sleeping areas? Let me break down the most common reasons this happens
1. They’re Just Too Young
The simplest explanation is often the right one. Young puppies literally cannot hold their bladders for long periods. Their tiny bodies are still developing that muscle control.
The general rule of thumb is:
- Puppy’s age in months + 1 = maximum hours they can hold it
So a 3-month-old puppy can only reasonably hold their bladder for about 4 hours max. That’s biology, not bad behavior!
2. Overnight Struggles Are Normal
A lot of accidents in crates happen overnight If this is the case, you should take your puppy outside right before bed and as soon as possible in the morning Remember, young puppies won’t be able to hold their urine all night, so expect to wake up in the middle of the night to avoid accidents.
I remember setting multiple alarms during those early weeks with my puppy. Was I tired? Extremely! But those middle-of-the-night potty breaks prevented many accidents.
3. Medical Issues Could Be At Play
Sometimes there’s more to it than just being young. Health issues that might cause crate accidents include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Digestive problems
- Side effects from medications or vaccines
- Anxiety issues
If your puppy’s crate accidents seem excessive or sudden, a vet visit is definitely warranted.
7 Effective Solutions to Stop Your Puppy from Peeing in the Crate
1. Right-Size Your Crate
One of the biggest mistakes I made was getting a crate that was too big for my puppy. I thought I was being nice giving her extra space, but it actually created problems!
Your puppy’s crate should be just big enough for them to:
- Stand up comfortably
- Turn around
- Lie down
Many crates come with dividers so you can adjust the space as your puppy grows. If your crate is too large, your puppy might designate one corner as their “bathroom” and sleep in the other part.
2. Create a Consistent Feeding Schedule
What goes in on a schedule comes out on a schedule! Feeding your puppy at the same times each day helps their elimination become predictable too.
For young puppies, a typical feeding schedule might look like:
- Breakfast: 7-8 AM
- Lunch: 12-1 PM
- Dinner: 5-6 PM
Remove food about 2-3 hours before bedtime and water about 1 hour before (unless directed otherwise by your vet).
3. Take Frequent Potty Breaks
The best way to prevent accidents is to give plenty of opportunities for success outside. Take your puppy out:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals
- After playtime
- After naps
- Before bedtime
- During the night for young puppies
When my puppy was very young, we were going outside every 1-2 hours during the day. It was a lot, but it paid off quickly!
4. Consider Removing Bedding Temporarily
Some puppies learn they can pee on soft bedding and then move it around to cover the mess. Others simply prefer peeing on something absorbent.
If accidents persist, try removing the bedding for a short period. Dogs naturally don’t want to lie in their own waste, so this can be a powerful motivator.
5. Clean Accidents Properly
Regular household cleaners won’t cut it for pet accidents. They might clean visibly but leave behind scent markers that encourage your puppy to go in the same spot again.
Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet accidents. These break down the urine completely so there’s no lingering smell to attract your puppy back to the same spot.
6. Make the Crate a Positive Space
Your puppy should view their crate as a safe, happy den—not a prison. Try:
- Feeding meals in the crate
- Giving special treats only in the crate
- Placing favorite toys inside
- Using positive reinforcement when they enter voluntarily
I used to toss a small treat into my puppy’s crate and say “crate time!” in a happy voice. Soon she was running in there eagerly when I said those words.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Potty training isn’t an overnight success. There will be accidents, setbacks, and days when you wonder if your puppy will ever get it. But with consistency and patience, they will!
Troubleshooting Persistent Problems
If you’ve tried everything and your puppy is still regularly peeing in their crate, it’s time to dig deeper:
Check for Medical Issues
Schedule a vet visit to rule out urinary tract infections or other health problems. These are common in puppies and can cause sudden accidents despite good training.
Evaluate Anxiety
Some puppies develop anxiety about their crate, which can lead to stress-induced accidents. Signs of crate anxiety include:
- Excessive whining or barking
- Drooling
- Trying to escape
- Panting when not hot
- Trembling
If you suspect anxiety, you might need to take a step back in your crate training and rebuild positive associations.
Consider Your Timing
Be honest about how long your puppy is staying in the crate. Even with the best intentions, we sometimes push beyond what’s reasonable for their age.
I once had to admit to myself that my work schedule just wasn’t compatible with my puppy’s bladder capacity. I ended up hiring a dog walker for a midday break, which solved our problem immediately.
Real Talk: My Experience with Crate Accidents
When I first brought home my Lab puppy, Bella, I was determined to be the perfect dog parent. I read all the books and articles about crate training. But despite my preparation, we still had accidents.
One particularly frustrating night, after taking her out multiple times, she still managed to pee in her crate. I was exhausted and, honestly, a little annoyed. But instead of giving up, I adjusted our routine:
- I set an alarm for 2 AM for a mandatory potty break
- I moved her crate right next to my bed so I could hear her shifting if she needed to go
- I limited water after 7 PM
- I started tracking her successful potty breaks on a simple chart
Within a week, our accidents decreased dramatically. By three weeks, they were rare. And by two months, they were a distant memory.
When to Expect Success
Most puppies can be reliably crate trained by 4-6 months of age, though some smaller breeds might take longer. The key indicators that you’re making progress include:
- Longer periods without accidents
- Your puppy signaling when they need to go out
- Your puppy being able to hold it through the night
- Less anxiety about entering the crate
Final Thoughts: This Too Shall Pass
Finding puppy pee in the crate is frustrating, but it’s a temporary problem. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, your puppy will outgrow this phase.
Remember that each small success is progress. Celebrate the dry nights, learn from the accidents, and keep going. Before you know it, crate accidents will be a distant memory, and you’ll have a well-trained dog who loves their crate as their own special space.
Have you dealt with puppy crate accidents? What worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Always consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your puppy’s elimination habits, as they could indicate a health issue that needs medical attention.
Use a Pee Pad
First, consider installing a pee pad in your dog’s crate. This tip is best for puppies who may have difficulty controlling their bladder in the earliest months of life.
If you don’t want to take your dog out in the middle of the night, a pee pad gives your pup the opportunity to pee somewhere that isn’t their bed. They can do their business in half of the crate, then go to the clean half of the crate to go back to sleep.
At this early age, your dog is likely small enough that everything can fit in the crate until morning. Once your puppy is old enough, you can remove the pee pad and they should be able to hold their bladder until morning.
This may also be good for older dogs who are experiencing incontinence or other issues, especially in the middle of the night. However, be sure that your dog can comfortably fit in the dog crate with the pee pad before relying on the solution long-term.
Going on a morning walk with your dog is a good rule of thumb for lots of reasons. It gives you and your pup some fresh air, exercises your dog and gives them a chance to stretch their legs, and gives them an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
Exercising your dog is great since it doesn’t put a lot of pressure on your pup to pee immediately. If you only take your dog outside to urinate, then bring them right back in, they might try to hold their bladder so they get to spend more time smelling interesting things outdoors.
Take your dog on a quick walk at a minimum. They should go to the bathroom and start trusting that they’ll have the opportunity to do so at their own pace. With time, they may stop peeing in their crate as a result.
How to Stop Your Dog from Peeing in Their Crate
Once you’ve narrowed down the likely issue causing your dog to pee in their crate, you can start working on solutions. There are four big things you can do to alleviate the majority of crate-peeing incidents.
4 Reasons Your Puppy Is Still Having Accidents In Their Crate
FAQ
Can a puppy Pee in a crate?
Puppies don’t normally pee in the same place that they have to sleep. If the crate is too big, though, it gives them a chance to pee at one end and sleep on the other. One of the key steps to stopping your puppy from peeing in the crate is to make sure it is the appropriate size.
Why is my puppy peeing in the crate?
Crates can give puppies safe places to sleep and relax. But when puppies keep peeing in their crate, it can be frustrating. This is the problem that you’re trying to avoid by housebreaking them. In this article, we look at several possible reasons your puppy is peeing in the crate and how to stop it. 1. Medical Issues
How do you know if a dog pees in a crate?
Dogs like repeating their peeing spots and use scent cues to know where they are supposed to pee. If your puppy has peed in the crate you need to ensure you completely remove the smell of urine. Ensure you properly clean any accidents inside the home.
How can I stop my dog from peeing in a crate?
To stop a dog from peeing in a crate, take your dog on a quick walk at a minimum to allow them to go to the bathroom. With time, they may stop peeing in their crate as a result. Dogs love routines, so maintaining a consistent walking schedule can help.
Do dogs poop in crate?
Some dogs learn that they can soil the crate and cover the mess with their bedding, while some puppies prefer to pee or poop on something soft, like their bed. Removing the bedding for a short time can teach your dog that it’s in their best interest not to soil the crate, since they won’t want to lie in their pee or poop.
Does a larger crate make a dog urinate better?
Decreasing the size of your dog’s crate won’t solve urination issues alone: It only helps if you’re also getting your dog out for regular potty breaks. In many cases, you’re actually better off giving your dog a larger pen area with a designated potty area if you know you’re not going to meet your pooch’s potty schedule.
How do I stop my puppy from peeing in the crate?
Consistency and positive reinforcement in training are essential to prevent in-crate peeing—establish a routine, reward good potty habits, and manage accidents calmly with effective cleanup and patience.
How long do puppies pee in their crate?
You add the number of months in age they are, plus one, and get the number of hours possible. So if your puppy is 3 months old, they should be able to go about four hours before needing to go outside. Before you put the puppy in the crate, take them outside and watch to see that they do their business every time.
Should I put a pee pad in my puppy’s crate?
No puppy pee pad in the crate. If you will be gone longer than he can hold it, then you’ll need to use a pen that has a bed at one end (or open crate attached) and a potty area at least 2-3 feet away. It’s really important that he isn’t forced to override his natural instinct not to soil his bed.
How to tell if a puppy peed in a crate?
It will smell like urine. Urine smell is a dead give away to know if your dog peed in its crate.