Puppy Crate Training Tips

Make your dog's special area large enough so that the he will not have to relieve himself next to his bed, food, or water. You will soon find that your pup will be inclined to use one particular spot to perform his bowel and bladder functions. When you are home, you must take the dog to this exact spot to eliminate at the appropriate time. If you consistently take your dog to the same spot, you will reinforce the habit of going there for that purpose.

Crate Training

There is another relatively easy method to housetrain most dogs that works well with both puppies and adults-with little, hot-wired dogs, big subdued dogs, and every kind in between. It's called the cage or crate training method, which is based very simply on the fact that the average dog does not like to mess near where he eats and sleeps.

I've known first-time dog owners who thought this method of housetraining was cruel initially, but those same people have returned later to thank me for having suggested it in the first place. Interestingly in many cases, dogs will come to think of their crates as their den. All dogs need a place of their own to retreat to and you will probably find that your dog will consider his cage or crate that place.

Wire cages and fiberglass shipping kennels come in varied sizes and can be purchased at your favorite pet emporium. Nylabone makes a Fold-Away Pet Carrier that can be stored and carried around easily. The cage or crate used for housetraining should be large enough for the dog to stand up, lie down, and stretch out in comfortably, but no bigger.

Begin by feeding your dog in the crate. Keep the door closed and latched while he is eating. When the meal is finished, open the crate and, if possible, carry the dog outdoors to the spot where you want him to eliminate. It is important to go back to the same spot each and every time. First, because the dog will get the message that this is the place for doing his "business" more quickly. Second, it will save you hours of clean-up time when droppings need only be collected from one location rather than from all over the yard.

If you are not able to watch your dog every minute, he should be in his cage or crate with the door securely latched. Each time you put your dog inside the crate, give him a small treat. Throw the treat to the back of the crate, and encourage the dog to walk in on his own. When he does, give him lots of praise and perhaps another piece of the treat through the wires of the cage.

Do not succumb to your dog's initial complaints about being in his crate. The puppy must learn to stay in his cage and to do so without complaining. If you respond to the puppy's vocal demands to be let out, you are sure to reinforce - you guessed it - barking. Your puppy will very quickly learn to "voice" every single complaint he may have. This is not only annoying, but you will never be. able to determine if there really is a need to go outside.