One of the most dog friendly methods of training your pet is
crate training. The process is very natural and uses the den
instincts of the puppy or dog to help them understand where a
safe place in the house is for them as well as giving them
their own space and area. Since dogs naturally do not want to
soil this area they are less likely to mess in the crate
leading to faster and more efficient housebreaking.
Routines
Crate training works in conjunction with a puppies body
functions. Establishing a routine with the puppy will help with
the process and will avoid any unnecessary accidents. To use
crate training techniques follow the steps outlined below:
·Feed and water your puppy at the same times (or as close to
the same times as possible) each day. Most puppies are fed at
least two to four times per day depending on their age.
·When the puppy has finished eating place them in their crate
with some toys and soft bedding material. The crate should be
where the puppy can still see people and feel part of the
family, not where they feel that they are being isolated or
punished for bad behavior.
·Approximately 15 minutes after placing the puppy in the crate
take them outside or to the area that you wish them to use a
bathroom. If you puppy has spoiled the crate prior to this 15
minute mark don’t punish them, simply clean the crate and plan
the next time to take them out 5 minutes earlier. This is a
process of trial and error but you will eventually find out
just when the little puppy will go to the bathroom after
eating.
·Have the puppy walk with you to the outside area or toilet
area. Praise them when they go. If they are outside for more
than 3-5 minutes and are showing no signs of relieving
themselves simply place them back in the crate and try again in
no more than 5 minutes. Don’t scold or pay undo attention to
them until the go outside and eliminate. Immediately give lots
of praise and attention and return them to the house for
further attention and socialization.
·Puppies quickly learn that by going outside and relieving
themselves they will get lots of positive attention and will
come back into the house and play with or be around the family.
Cautions with Crate Training
To be sure that crate training is completed correctly make sure
that the following occurs:
·Make the crate comfortable with toys, soft, washable bedding
and lots of ventilation. It is to be a positive place that is
the puppies “den”.
·Never use the crate as a punishment or isolation area. If your
puppy begins to associate the crate with being ignored or
punished they will quickly stop wanting to go to the crate.
·Keep the crate somewhere that is part of the activity centers
of the house so that the puppy can still see people and be in a
familiar area.
·Do not keep the puppy in the crate for prolonged periods of
time. Confining your puppy to the crate is a form of punishment
to the puppy and will make the crate a negative place to be.
There are many resources and books about crate training that
provide additional information. Crate training your puppy makes
it easy to travel with the dog as they are always at home in
their crate no matter where you are or what type of
transportation you use.
A wire or plastic dog crate is a must have for every dog. Make sure the crate you purchase is large enough for your dog. And cover the bottom with newspaper until your dog is houset trained!
