How to Potty Train an Eight-Week Old Puppy

Potty train a puppy using a crate for positive results.

Potty training an eight-week-old puppy can utilize different techniques, such as watching for signs when it is time to go or using puppy pads in the house. One method that can provide results with few accidents is crate training. Crate training is a positive way to potty train your puppy and allows the owner to have fewer worries of accidents compared to other forms of training.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Blanket
• Toys
• Leash

Instructions

1. 

   Proper crate size is essential in crate training.

   Place the crate in the room and allow the puppy to explore this new item. Ensure the crate is the proper size for the puppy. The dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in the crate. Choose a crate based on the size of the puppy. If your puppy will grow to be a much bigger dog, crates are available with adjustable sections to make the area smaller or allow for growth.

2. 

   Adding a favorite blanket makes crate training easier for the puppy.

   Add a blanket to the crate, preferably one the puppy uses outside the crate. Place the blanket flat in the crate and be sure it is not one the puppy will chew. Puppies generally do not eliminate in a confined space. Use an old blanket or towel in the beginning just in case of an accident.

3. 

   Use his favorite treats to increase interest in the crate.

   Place treats outside the crate to attract the puppy to the area. Use three or four treats and praise the puppy for its cooperation. Place treats inside the crate and allow the puppy to go inside. Close the door for a few minutes and praise the puppy.

4. 

   Bones keep the puppy occupied while in the crate.

   Add toys to the crate. Chew toys and bones are attractive to most dogs. Allow the puppy to go in and play. Do not force the puppy during this time as it needs to adjust to the new surrounding. Close the door for about 10 minutes and praise the puppy for his behavior.

5. 

   Puppies need walks often.

   Close the crate door for longer periods of time. Let the puppy out about every hour to go potty outside. Take the puppy for walks on a leash for proper exercise. Allow the puppy to play with toys outside of the crate if supervised. Walk the puppy within 15 minutes after meals and water.

6. 

   Dogs enjoy sleeping in the crate in his own space.

   Increase the time the puppy spends in the crate, letting him out to play and potty. If the puppy whines or cries, this is normal behavior. Allow him to whine for no more than 15 minutes. Dogs are den animals and will likely go into the crate voluntarily. If the dog is resistant to the crate, begin steps one-through-five at a slower pace.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the puppy occupied by switching out toys and bones often.

• If you are unable to supervise your puppy, place him in the crate.

• Some dogs have crate anxiety. Do not crate train if your dogs barks consistently or will not stay calm in the crate.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Puppy House Training; Race Foster, DVM;