We adopted a 4.5 month old full lab and we were told that she was potty broken. ?

Question

Since we got her she has pooped in her crate almost nightly even when we feed her was before bed and have taken her out right before putting her to bed in her kennel. we are very frustrated and our other 1 year old lab is not teaching her..what do i do? i cant keep this up much longer

Answer 1

At 4.5 months, she might may be learning the ropes, but highly unlikely that she is housebroken.  At the age, she still needs to go out every 4-5 hours.  No dog should seriously be considered "reliable" until they are well over a year old.

Your new lab is still a puppy.  Be patient.  Work out a schedule when you can more or less predict her poo/pee needs.  Then be sure to take her out to give her the opportunity and reward her when she goes.  Never correct her WHEN you find an accident. (and you will find some).  But if you catch her in the act, a firm "No!" and take her out to finish.

With patience, consistency and love, she will get it- labs are very smart.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Firstly, how long is it in between bathroom visits, maybe make them more frequent.

Has there been any consequence for the puppy doing that?

It seems as though he is not trained, i think go back to the start, Puppy Training matts are excellent! - they are like nappy sheets, that have double sided tape and stick to the floor, i suggest using these,

Answer 3

Why are you expecting your dog to train your puppy? That is your job. Would you expect a 7 year old to be able to potty train a baby? make sure the crate is not to big for the puppy it should only be big enough for her to stand up, turn around in, and lay down.  

Answer 4

Your 1 year old lab should not be expected to train your new baby. Sometimes new dogs will learn from existing dogs by observation but not always.

As for pooping in her kennel...dogs can only hold their bladders/bowels for as many hours as months old they are up until they are 1 year old. Are you bringing her out every 4-5 hours? You decided to get her so you need to be willing to put in a little effort. It is unfair of you to consider getting rid of her for being a puppy. Dogs should not even be trustworthy potty-wise until they are around 7 months old anyway.