| When I first read about crates 10 years ago, I thought it was the most in-humane, cruel, mean way to treat a puppy. Now, I have successfully raised 3 Rotties, 2 males, and 1 female using the crate technique. My littlest one, Clyde, now almost 14 months old, has taught himself how to open the door of his crate, find a forgotten toy, and lie down in the crate and play. He knows that he can come out at any time, and he also knows to leave whatever he finds in his crate there, so it is handy to play with next time he chooses.
Very close observation, attention to your dog's attitude and behavior, I think are important to housetraining. After 7 years of puppies, I can honestly say that I have had a dozen "wet" mistakes, and absolutely ZERO "solid" mistakes. I know that my puppies have not been brighter than average, so since we have had such a good record, I figure it is simply because I spend an exceptional amount of time with my puppies, and my adult dogs, as well. I am what you might call a "fussy" person. Everything in it's place, you know, and the thought of a puppy using my carpet for a potty doesn't cut it!! Hence, small puppies are not allowed on the carpet, and they go out every 1/2 hour, adults, every hour, whether they want to or not, depending on their body language. I can tell when a dog has to go outside, and if they show the signs, out we go for a walk. I used to have a pair of brother Schnauzers who marked each other's territory in my livingroom, and as soon as I separated them, they quit trying to "one-up" each other. Soon, they both recognized that MY house was just one very large crate.
It is my understanding that is how most housetrained dogs are supposed to act. They should know that "OUTSIDE" means go potty there, not in their "cave", which happens to be your house. I would guess she needs to outside more often? And has she been tested for a bladder, kidney or vaginal infection?
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