How to Cure a Puppy From Soiling in a Crate

Crate training can be used with a young puppy.

Crate training is an excellent tool for training your dog, and it will be even more effective if you start your dog at a young age. However, when crate training a puppy, there are a specific set of challenges you must face. For example, a puppy is more likely to soil the crate when left for long periods of time. This is not the puppy's fault, so punishment should never be used. Instead, you need to alter your crate training methods.

Instructions

1. Take your puppy outside before putting him in the crate. If your puppy has a chance to relieve himself outside, soiling the crate will be much less likely.

2. Limit the amount of time you leave your puppy in the crate when first training him. You should start out with very short periods of time, such as only during feedings. Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate each day. Use minutes, not hours. Proper crate training is less likely to lead to accidents in the crate.

3. Leave the puppy in the crate for only three to four hours at most. This is the amount of time that a puppy can control himself and avoid an accident. Beyond that, a puppy simply does not have the ability to control himself. Therefore, leaving a puppy in the crate while you're at work for eight hours is never an option.

4. Examine the waste in the crate if an accident happens. If it appears that your puppy has diarrhea, then this is a medical issue. Contact your veterinarian for assistance.

5. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on additional crate training techniques if problems persist.

Tips & Warnings

• Punishing a puppy for soiling a crate is like punishing a baby for soiling a diaper. It is not effective and can cause issues with your puppy, including fear, anxiety and aggression.

References

• The Housebreaking Bible: What To Do if Fido has an Accident in his Crate