The Crate Method for House-training Dogs

Crate-training is the most effective method to house-train your dog.

Crate-training your pet is the act of temporarily confining it while you are away. Crates are composed of plastic or metal, with a small door at one end that can be secured. For your dog to be comfortable in its crate, it should be large enough for the dog to stand up in and turn around easily. Dogs do not like to soil the area in which they sleep, and crate-training is the most effective and fastest method of house-training a pet to relieve itself outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate made of plastic or metal
• Soft padding
• Dog treats
• Dog toys

Instructions

1. Prepare the crate by placing it in a well-used room in the house, such as the family room. Place adequate padding into the crate to give the dog a soft area to sleep on. Fill the dog's water and food bowls.

2. Let your dog outside or walk it so it can relieve itself. Play with your dog for at least five minutes before you leave the house. Bring your dog its favorite toy and toss it into the crate. Close the door to the crate and secure it inside.

3. When you arrive home, open the crate and let your dog out. It is likely that, depending on how long you were away, the dog will be ready to go outside and relieve itself. Do not scold or discipline your dog if it soiled the crate. The dog will not understand what it did wrong or why you are angry.

4. Let your dog outside to relieve itself. Follow the dog around at a close distance. After the dog relieves itself, lavish it with praise and give it a favorite treat. This will reinforce the act of relieving itself outside with positive rewards.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan on feeding and providing water for your dog inside the crate, it's a good idea to make sure to protect the immediate area with a liner. Place a rigid plastic liner underneath the bowls for easy cleanup and to avoid damage to your floors.

• At night when you go to sleep, keeping the dog in the crate with the door open is a great way to increase its comfort level inside the crate and make it a place where the dog feels safe and can relax.

• Never keep a dog confined to a crate for prolonged periods of time. The dog will eventually relieve itself inside the crate, and begin to dislike being in it. This can make keeping the dog in the crate and house-training much more difficult.

References

• American Dog Trainers Network: Crate Training
• Dumb Friends League: Crate Training
• Perfect Paws: Crate Training a Puppy or Adult Dog