Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 5/18/2008

Question
We have a 6 month old English Bulldog puppy that we have been crate training since we got him at 8 weeks old.  After several months, he finally stopped defecating in his crate.  He will occasionally have an accident if he is sick, etc.  The problem that we are having is that he still urinates in his crate as well as in the floor with no warning and at random times.  We stay on the same schedule daily and take him out frequently when we are at home.  He is left for about 6 hours during the day while we are at work, and I can understand it happening then. He will still urinate in his crate whenever he feels the need to go, even if crated for a very short period of time while we are at home.  However, when he needs to defecate, he will signal by barking, whining, etc.  We have a pug that crate trained very easily, and are finding it frustrating that it is so much harder with the bulldog, although we do understand that different breeds train differently.  We have tried everything that we can think of to correct this problem.  Any suggestions that you can offer would be much appreciated.  Thank You.

Answer
Hi Stephanie:  I understand your pain!!!  Some dogs are just quick and others take a time to train.  
I have known some very stubborn pugs in my day... Every dog can be different.

Ok, Mr. English Bullie Boy - What can we do with him.  
If you can do the following:

Do not allow him into the crate during the times you are home.  Make sure you watch him and potty him every hour, if possible.

Also, limit his water intake... Pick up the bowl and control his water.  Allow some water after each potty break or play time.

After he has had a pee break, watch him closely... Make sure you can keep an eye on him.
Use a Male Wrap ( bad boy pants) if you Can NOt watch him .... and he is loose in the house.
Remember - no crate when you are home and Awake.

Link to Male wraps... So you know what I am talking about:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SIMPLE-SOLUTION-MALE-WRAP-DIAPER-GARMENT-SEASON-SMALL_W0QQ...


Award him a 1/2 of a small treat when he goes poop or pee outside.
The most important thing is to control the water intake.

In the evening, make sure you offer no water 2 hrs before bedtime.
If you house is very hot, this may not be possible.  
Use common sense when limiting water intake...please

Also, put nothing in the crate at night except newspaper and 1 toy.
No bedding to pee on... No pillow ...
Put 5-6 newspapers down... ( no potty pads... they like to rip them up)  costs too much money, too.

Also, consider a good vitamin like NuVET Plus - This will help his Immune System to be strong and for him to grow healthy...

We have many bulldogs and pugs on Nu VET plus wafer treats..
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


Let me know how you do after 2 weeks ... I know it will be hard but You can do it!!!!


Marie Peppers of
The Doggie Chalet Hotel
NuVET Plus - the BEST dog/ supplement in the USA
NOT sold in any stores....