How to Use a Crate for Housebreaking

A crate is an extremely important housebreaking tool. Although many people do not like the thought of putting their dogs into crates, I have taught for many years that a crate is actually a very humane tool. Using a crate from the beginning can cut housetraining time in half and it can actually save your dog's life. As a former animal control officer, I have seen puppies and adult dogs injured and even killed because they were allowed too much freedom. Additionally, a big problem that can result from not using a crate is the deterioration of the relationship between your dog and family members. Here are my steps for successful crate training.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Treats
• Patience

Instructions

1. A crate should be associated with being a positive place to go. This can be done by putting your dog or puppy's food dish in the crate. Every time you feed your dog, your dog should go into the crate to eat his meal. Any time you give your dog a treat, toss the treat into the crate for your dog to get. This can also be done with new toys.

2. Crates should not be abused. In an ideal situation, your dog should never be in the crate for more than four hours. This is not always possible; if your dog is in the crate for more than four hours, make sure that she gets adequate exercise and attention.

3. Use a crate whenever you cannot keep an eye on your dog. If you have to leave the house or if you even have to leave the room, your dog should be put into the crate. It only takes a split-second for your dog to have an accident; the more accidents your dog has, the harder it will be to housebreak him.

4. The crate should be just big enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and move around in. If the crate is too big, your dog may pee and poop at one end of the crate and sleep at the other. This is a bad habit for your dog to get into. If you have a crate that is too big for your puppy, block off part of the crate until your puppy grows.

5. If you bring your dog outside and your dog does not pee or poop, bring your dog back inside and put her into the crate. Wait 10 minutes and bring your dog back out. If your dog still doesn't go, put your dog back in the crate. You are teaching your dog that her only option is to go outside. They do not get their in-house freedom until they have "done their business" outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Get my free report: "7 Biggest Housetraining Mistakes And How To Avoid Them!" (see Resources below).

• Never train when you are stressed or tired.

• Puppies under 9 weeks should not be crated, because they need to eliminate very frequently. Older puppies shouldn't be crated for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time.

Resources

• Get My Free Report