Crate Training Puppy for Fast Results

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When you take your puppy inside the house, you need to already have in place your puppy's new crate. And training should start immediately!

Crate Training Puppy:

As far as house training goes, crate training is generally accepted to be the most effective and efficient means of house training a new puppy in a short amount of time. The theory behind this method is puppies don't like to mess in their own beds and will therefore hold it until they are let out of their crate. (provided you don't leave her in there too long, of course!)

It's therefore important to always confine your new puppy to her crate when you are not able to supervise her. It's also important to buy the right crate size. If you buy one that's too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil at one end of the crate and use the other end for her sleeping area. And this will defeat the whole purpose of crate training.

If you want to buy a larger crate for your puppy to grow into and because it is more cost-effective, that's fine. Just be sure to use a barrier of some sort, so your puppy doesn't soil at one end of the large crate. You can do this quite easily. Simply reduce the internal size of the crate by inserting a wire grille or board.And viola. Now your puppy crate is the perfect size for your puppy and as she grows larger, you can remove the insert and have a larger crate to better accommodate your adult dog.

The basic principles of crate training are simple:

Your puppy is kept in her crate at all times unless she is eating, outside, or under your active supervision.

If you are not consistent with this, it won't work.

For example:If you let your puppy roam about your den while you are in there dusting and cleaning up, and then she has an accident. Who's at fault? You are! You are in the den with your puppy but you are not supervising her - you're cleaning. Active supervision means focusing your complete attention on your puppy and nothing else.

If you allow your puppy free access before she's thoroughly house trained, you're basically allowing her to relieve herself inside. And every time she does, it will be easier for her to do it again and again, and you don't want that!

Crate Training Schedule

It's best if you can come up with a schedule that works for you and your puppy.

Sample of a Crate Training Schedule

~ Wake up. Take puppy outside to potty
~ Eat Breakfast
~ Take puppy outside to potty again
~ Play and cuddle with puppy for an hour
~ Take puppy outside to potty again
~ Put puppy in crate for a nap
~ Once puppy wakes up, take her outside to potty
~ Eat lunch
~ Take puppy outside to potty
~ More play time!
~ Another potty break
and so on through out the day.

It usually takes a month or two to have your puppy totally crate trained and housebroken, that is if you are consistent in your training.

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In the beginning your new puppy will probably be none to happy to go inside her crate. And she will probably cry and whine once she is in there.

So what should you do?

Make the crate as comfortable as possible. Add a pillow or soft pad, and maybe a soft stuffed toy or an item of yours (like an old T-shirt) that has your scent on it. If the puppy won't go in the crate herself, toss a few treats in there and see if she will go inside it. If she will not, just place her in there. Don't walk away but instead, sit nearby the crate until she quits whining. Don't interact with her, just be nearby for her to see you. You really just need to ignore her whining. She will soon settle down and eventually learn to love her crate as her very own 'safe place'.

Where to Keep Your Puppy's Crate?
The best place for your puppy's crate is usually the kitchen or family room. But it needs to be in the room of your home where people tend to congregate the most. It's important that your puppy still feels as if she is part of the household even when she is confined to her crate. You don't want her to associate her crate with exclusion from the family or isolation.

When your puppy is not confined to her crate, be sure to keep the crate door open. This will encourage her to go to her 'safe place' whenever she wants to.

Preventing 'Accidents':
Keep in mind that puppies are not able to 'hold it' for very long, so be sure and let your puppy out often. Take your puppy out to potty every time she wakes up, after she's eats, and after play time. Always use your potty command and always praise your puppy when she relieves herself outside.

Crate Confinement:
Try not to leave your puppy confined to her crate for more than 2 hours at a time. Puppies need exercise and lots of attention.

Potty Signals & Behaviors:
When you are supervising your puppy indoors, be on the look out for behaviors that indicate your puppy needs to go outside, like sniffing and circling. The minute your puppy displays that sort of behavior, pick her up and take outside immediately! Better an unnecessary trip to the yard than an unnecessary wet patch (or pile) on the carpet!

For a more in depth look at house training, check out The Ultimate House Training Guide. It's the complete dog-house-training guide.

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Disclaimer: Information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical conditions.
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