Crate training a puppy is an easy way to house train your pup.

Crate training a puppy is an easy way to house train your pup.

Crate training for puppies is a very effective way to house train your new companion.
Like all animals, a dog won’t go to the bathroom in the same place where he sleeps or eats.  Which is why if your have your puppy’s training pad

Crate Training A Puppy

The idea behind crate training is that you are teaching him to be ready and willing to go when you say so.  A puppy who’s been in a crate for a short time will more than likely need to potty when you let him out.  That’s when you either take him outside, or set him on his training pad.

Keep in mind that you can’t leave your pup in the crate all day.  He won’t be able to hold it, and will go in the crate.  If this happens on a regular basis, he’ll lose his inborn instinct to go potty in a different place from where he sleeps.  Then you’ll really have problems house training him.

When crate training your puppy, you must be at home so you can keep an eye on how long he’s in the crate.  45 minutes is long enough between potty breaks when you start house training him.  As he begins to get the idea, extend the time he’s in the crate by about 15-20 minutes each time.

Keeping a log of how long he’s in the crate, and how often you take him out will help you monitor his progress.  You’ll also learn what time of day he needs to go, and how long he can go between potty breaks.

What Happens If He Has An Accident In The Crate?

If he makes a mess in his crate, always clean it up before you put him back in there.  Otherwise, as mentioned above, he could lose the instinct to be clean.

Never punish him for having an accident.  Just shorten the time between potty breaks.  If your dog doesn’t potty after several breaks, make it easy on yourself, and keep him in the kitchen or bathroom.

Be consistent about the time between potty breaks.  Don’t expect a puppy to go more than an hour and a half to two hours.  You want to reinforce the idea that he goes when you take him out of the crate, not while he’s in the crate.  When he does his business quickly, give him lots of praise.  Your dog wants your affection and approval, and when he gets it, he’ll respond quickly.

More Puppy Training Tips

You can combine house training your new puppy with leash training, as well.  When you take him out on his leash, give him five minutes to do his business.  This isn’t the time for aimless wandering.

You puppy will learn that short potty walks have a purpose, and that a casual walk is for fun.  Believe me, you’ll be happy you taught him this lesson when he wakes you up at 3 AM on a frosty morning needing to go out!

Don’t distract a dog with a full bladder by playing with him, or getting him excited.  This is a sure recipe for an accident.  Instead, after he potties successfully, give him the run of the house for a short time.  He’ll learn that when he goes where you want him to go, he’ll be rewarded by having fun with the family.

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Filed under: House Training A Dog • Puppy Training Tips

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