Crate Training A Puppy
One of the first things owners teach their puppy is not to go to the potty in their house. One very effective method that most breeders and trainers use is crate training. Not only can you house train a puppy using a crate, but when used correctly, the dog naturally learns to look upon it as his den.
The crate's success as a house training tool is simple. Puppies will not soil their sleeping area if they can possibly avoid it. But remember that a puppy needs time to play. Use the crate when you can't watch your puppy, but be careful not to over do it.
Crates come in many different styles and sizes. Choose one that will fit the size of your dog to lay down, stand up and turn around in without difficulty. Avoid crates with zinc nuts and bolts, as these can poison a dog if he should swallow them. Wire crates work well, although plastic crates offer more privacy.
Put the crate in a location close to other family members, to make the puppy more comfortable. Move it from the kitchen to the bedroom at night so your puppy will always feel close to you.
Be prepared for his first experience with crate training, he will probably cry or whine. Offer him a treat and close the door. At the first sign of a separation response, such as barking, whining or howling, intervene with a sharp NO. Your puppy should associate the reprimand with his actions and stop. It may take several days, but he will eventually settle down. You may want to put a blanket over his crate.
Be aware that your puppy will need to eliminate directly upon waking and shortly after eating or playing. Also, a very young puppy will not be able to hold his urine all night, so be prepared to take him out during the night. Put your puppy on his leash immediately after letting him out of the crate. Rush him to the door or carry him if he is small so he can avoid an accident. And be sure he does relieve himself once he's outside.
Never place newspapers on the bottom of his crate, as these will only encourage him to eliminate there. After you are sure your puppy isn't wetting his bed, you can give him a towel or blanket, though he may be more comfortable without one. Gradually lengthen the amount of time your puppy is allowed to play. By the time he is five or six months old, he should be able to control himself for 6-8 hours between trips outside.
By the time he is eight months old, he should be able to walk around the house for most of the day once he has been taken outside to relieve himself. By 1 year of age, he should be mature enough to be trusted all night in the house. But keep his crate set up with the door open anyway. He will become attached to his own private 'den' and will look for it.
