When Should You Stop Crate Training a Dog?

Crate training helps teach puppies how to hold it until they are taken to the proper place to relieve themselves. Spending time in the crate for longer and longer periods conditions their behavior because a dog's instinct is to avoid soiling the same place where he sleeps. In the confined space, he must control his bladder and bowels to keep that area clean. However, many dogs don't have to continue with their crate training once they have been successful in their potty training.

Successful Training

Some dogs will always need to be confined to a crate to remind them to hold it when their owners are away or asleep. Others can be taken out of training once they show reliable behavior. Pay attention to how well your dog controls himself if you are considering ending crate training. If your dog still has accidents regularly, continue the training.

Puppies versus Adult Dogs

Most puppies will not be ready to end crate training before they reach adulthood. This time varies for each breed. A Labrador reaches adulthood at about three to five years of age. A chihuahua reaches adulthood after about eight months to a year. Once your dog is an adult and well house-trained, end the crate training. If your dog begins to have accidents again, start back with the training to reinforce the idea of holding it until the proper time.

Crating Less Often

Instead of stopping the crate training all at once, some dogs will benefit from being crate trained every other day or only on weekends to keep him reminded how to control himself for long periods. The number of times that the crate is used each week can be gradually reduced until the dog no longer needs the crate as a reminder.

References

• More about Crate Training