Potty Training Your Puppy Through Crate Training

The first thing you may want to consider is whether crate training will work for you and your dog. Unfortunately, it is not a "one-size-fits-all" method, as is the case with other methods. The pro's and con's listed below will help you decide whether crate training is right for your dog.

Pros:
- Crate training is an enormous help for potty training in both puppies and adult dogs
- Makes transportation less stressful if your dog is already crate trained, especially on trips to the vet or travel
- Provides a place for dogs to be confined to without supervision
- Once a dog is accustomed to his crate, he may seek it out as a place for relaxation

Cons:
- Puppies may initially take some time to get accustomed to crate training; alternative methods of confinement may be necessary at first
- Some people abuse the use of crates and leave their dog inside for too long
- Dogs that have had bad experiences with crates or confinement (at a shelter or previous owner's home) may not take to crate training very well. It may still be possible to crate train some of these dogs, but more patience will be required
- Dogs with separation anxiety may be even more upset in the small space of a crate
- Some people just do not like the idea of confining their dog to a crate. If you are one of them, continue reading about this method to see whether what you learn will change your opinion.

The first and only thing that you will need is... of course, a crate! The size and location of the crate are both important factors. The crate should be only big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down. Any bigger, and he will have enough space to soil the crate, which is the exact opposite of what you want when you are crate training. If you have a large breed puppy, you may want to get a crate that will be big enough for his adult size so that you won't have to buy multiple crates while he continually grows (and they do grow fast!). Simply partition off part of the crate so that the current size is just right for him during that time. Place the crate in an area where the family spends most of their time. It may also be helpful to move the crate to your bedroom at night when you are sleeping.

The key to crate training is to make the crate a happy place for the puppy. Crate training can initially be a slow process and should never be rushed. When introducing the crate, leave it open for the puppy to investigate. Never force the puppy to go in -- let him make the first move at his own pace. It can be helpful to put a few treats or toys inside the crate to entice the puppy to go inside. At first, just leave the door open while he is inside. When he does go in, pet him and talk to him lovingly. Feeding him meals inside the crate is also a good idea, as he will associate the crate with food. As he gets more used to the crate (which could take anywhere from hours to weeks depending on the dog), slowly start to close the door while he's inside, for only a few seconds. Gradually lengthen this period of time when he seems ready.

- Never use the crate as a place for punishment; you don't want your puppy to associate it with anything negative
- A Kong filled with peanut butter or treats is a great toy for keeping your puppy occupied for a long time when inside the crate
- If your puppy seems uncomfortable at a new step, back up to a previous step
- At first, your puppy will probably whine when he's confined. If you know that he does not need to go potty during that time, simply ignore the whining and resist the urge to let him out, as that will teach him that whining works
- If your puppy is having trouble accepting the crate, you may want to exercise him more -- a tired puppy has less behavioral problems

For more information on crate training or other methods of potty training, visit potty-train-your-puppy.com for a system that works, no matter the age of your dog!