Crate Training Your Puppy
Housetraining your puppy using
crate can be a very effective way to housebreak your dog and it gives your dog a
safe "den" in which to feel secure.
A dog has a natural instinct to
keep the area where he rests or sleeps as clean as possible. In the wolf den,
the mother wolf cleans up the cubs feces until the youngsters are old enough to
defecate away from the den. The cubs learn that the den is a place to keep clean
as well as a place of safety and comfort.
Most dogs will make an extra
effort to control their own elimination when confined to a crate. If you
encourage proper elimination in the proper place immediately after the dog is
released from the crate, the job of house training can be quickly accomplished.
Keep a Regular Schedule
Your puppy should have a regular
schedule especially for feeding--most puppies eliminate within an hour after
eating. Playing and waking from naps are also often triggers that will
make them want to eliminate. You want to teach your puppy that eliminating
outside is desirable. Go out with him every time, go to a specific spot with
easy access, and give him a trigger phrase such as " go potty" with the act of
eliminating. When he does, offer hearty praise, a small food reward or start
playing. He will soon learn what is expected and go when given the command. When
you first begin training, take your pup out every 2 hours or so. As he
gets older, this interval can be lengthened.
Until he is properly trained, he
needs constant supervision to prevent indoor elimination. A leash is a
handy tool. If your puppy wanders off and eliminates indoors--do not
punish your puppy. This only teaches him to fear you. If you catch
him in the act of indoor elimination, give him a firm "No!" and take him to the
acceptable area. Make sure that the area of the accident is well cleaned
and that the odor is neutralized.
Choosing a Crate and Crate
Location
A wire crate is recommended
because it allows for proper ventilation and visibility. If a puppy cannot see
where strange noises are coming from, it may become frightened and develop bad
habits. Select a crate that fits your dog's needs when he is full grown. The dog
should be able to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down in the crate.
Do not select a crate that is too large as it defeats the purpose of giving the
dog the sense of having his own enclosed den.
The crate should be kept in a semiprivate spot in the
kitchen or family room. Always keep the crate away from drafts or direct heat.
When leaving your puppy home
alone, use the crate. Give him a command such as "kennel up" when going in the
crate and provide a small treat.
Line the crate with a soft
blanket and add some small treats, then show the puppy how to get in.
Another suggestion is to feed the puppy in the crate as a method of
introduction. Make the crate comfortable. Place a soft old blanket or
pillow in the crate. Place a few of his favorite, safe toys in the crate. Dogs
will be reluctant to soil in an area that they recognize as their bed or den
area. Never use the crate as punishment! Always remove the leash and
collar when the puppy is in the crate so he doesn't get tangled.
When taking him out
of the crate, talk calmly and quietly without getting him excited. If your
puppy eliminates in the crate--do not punish. Clean the crate with an odor
neutralizer. Clean the puppy if needed and stay calm.
Remember that the
crate will lessen the chance of an accident, but you cannot expect your puppy to
hold off eliminating for an excessive length of time, If your puppy is
properly exercised, mentally and physically, the crate will be a "den" and a
place for security and rest.
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