Crate Training

​Crate Training your puppy is becoming the most accepted process by professionals and dog owners alike for house training.

Crate training requires a greater percentage of time and energy expenditure in the early stages, but if applied correctly this will be a quicker, more thorough method than paper training, thus saving time and frustration in the long run.

To housebreak a dog with the crate-training method, you will need a dog crate, suitable bedding, a safe chew toy, and a few other things which you feel the puppy will appreciate can be placed in the crate (do not however clutter the crate).  Crate size is VERY important; the crate should be large enough to allow the pup to stand and move comfortably, but not be large enough to allow the dog to recline at one end and soil at the other.  I normally place the bedding in the back of the crate and then place a small bowl of water and a small bowl of dry food in the front so there is no room for the puppy to soil the crate.  With puppies under 10 weeks you should not place the water dish as they will probably step in it and turn it over.

The key to crate training is routine!  The dog must be allowed out of the crate frequently and regularly.  The crate should be permanently located in a restricted area to prevent the dog from evacuating at a place distant from its crate.  When the owner can watch the dog, the door of the crate should be left open to allow the dog to come and go as it pleases, within the restricted area.  The owner must watch carefully for signs that the dog is going to relieve itself.  When it shows signs, it must immediately be taken to the selected spot until it evacuates.  Puppies tend to relieve themselves very shortly after eating so this is a good time to begin the process.

As the dog relieves itself, warm and lavish praise must be given; the puppy needs to learn that it is doing well by going at the spot to which the owner brought it.  After praise, the puppy should immediately be returned to its restrictive area.  I also use the same phase everytime the puppy is taken to the chose spot for relieving itself.  Use the same phase and the same tone each time until the puppy relieves itself and then say the puppy's name and what a good girl/boy, etc.  Believe it or not your grown dog will go on command with this phase if you'll stick with this practice.

The dog must be kept in the spot until evacuation occurs and praise must be given.  Young puppies cannot retain their escrement and the owner must provide adequate opportunities for relief.  Through praise, supervision, and the clean maintenance of the restricted area, housebreaking can be quickly and thoroughly accomplished.

In the evenings, take the crate and place it beside your bed so that the puppy will be close to you yet still confined.  Upon waking the puppy should immediately be taken outside to the "spot" and then returned to the restricted area for the day.

Remember dogs want to please their master so patience is the key.  If mistakes are made, try to discipline with a slap of rolled up paper against the wall or floor and immediatly take the puppy to the "spot".  Do not let the puppy see you cleaning up the mistake.