How to House Train a Puppy When You Are Working

Crate training is a good house training option.

House training your new puppy is a full-time job, but it does not mean that you have to quit your actual job to house train the dog. Crate training offers a doable solution for people with jobs and other commitments outside the home. Crating the puppy while you are at work will use the puppy's natural instincts to keep it from messing in its "den." It also keeps the puppy from chewing and eliminating where it should not while you cannot supervise it.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Chew toys

Instructions

1. Give the puppy food and water first thing in the morning.

2. Take your puppy for a walk and playtime for at least 20 minutes after breakfast.

3. Bring the dog to the place where you want it to eliminate. As soon as it does eliminate, praise the puppy profusely.

4. Put the puppy into the crate before you go to work. Give it appropriate toys and treats for the meanwhile.

5. Go home to take the puppy out or have someone do it for you at midday. The puppy should have plenty of time to eat and drink, play, go for a walk and eliminate. Repeat the praise when the puppy eliminates.

6. Crate the dog once more, providing toys to keep it occupied while crated.

7. Acknowledge or greet the puppy only after 5 to ten minutes have passed, when returning home from work, to prevent over-excitement.

8. Take the puppy out of the crate and immediately take it to the area where you want it to eliminate. Once it eliminates, praise the puppy profusely.

9. Keep the puppy with you for the rest of the evening. Ensure plenty of play and exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs are den animals and do not like soiling their dens, which is why crate training works well for most dogs.

• Ensure the time spent outside the crate is full of play and exercise so the crating period does not produce boredom and anxiety.

• Do not send your puppy to its crate as a punishment. This can cause negative associations that will create fear and anxiety in your puppy regarding the crate.

• Never greet your puppy or dog immediately upon entering the home. Allowing a few minutes before acknowledgement establishes your leadership and lessens over-excitement in the dog, which can cause problems such as submissive urination, jumping up and anxiety.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
• "The Art of Raising a New Puppy"; The Monks of New Skete; 1991.

Resources

• PetEducation.com: House Training