Puppy Crate Training
An excellent way to housebreak your puppy is through puppy crate training. When done properly, it can provide your pup with a safe place, and teach them to potty out of doors.
Pups don’t like to mess up where they sleep, so crating works wonders for pups that are old enough to control their bladder and sphincter.
Usually, when you pup is introduced to their crate when they are young, will love their crate, and use it when they want to get away from the world. Crates should never be used for punishment however.
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When first introducing your puppy to the crate, keep the door open at all times, and try to keep the pup in the room with you. Be sure to fill the crate with things your pup loves, like chew toys, bones, and balls.
When your puppy needs to be in the crate for longer than two hours, you should attach a water bottle to the crate as well. In addition, something soft to lie on is nice, but if the pup urinates on it, it should be removed until they no longer do that.
Puppy crate training works best when a few guidelines are followed:
1. When getting puppy used to the crate, occasionally drop pieces of dog food and biscuits in the crate. This helps your pup associate good things with their crate.
2. At first, make sure you give your pup lots of praise when they go in the crate. It is not wise to make the pup go in at first, unless you are going to sleep.
3. There is a fun game you can play with your pup to get them to like their new crate. Don’t tell your puppy, and drop pieces of food in the crate. Call your pup, and ask them to find the food, and show them where it is. If he discovers the stash, praise him and let him know how good he is.
4. When puppy crate training, if you can crate train him when home with you for small periods first, it works much better.
5. Remember that if your pup is less than 4 months old, they have very little bladder and sphincter control, and pups under 9 weeks shouldn’t be crated since they have to use the bathroom very frequently.
6. Be sure not to crate your puppy when it is very cold or hot. Always leave cold water for puppies when it is hot, and when exercising outside, make sure that the times they can be out are short, to avoid your pup becoming overheated.
7. So your pup won’t use the crate as a bathroom, make certain that it is not too large for them.
If you find your dog using the crate as a potty, and the crate isn’t too big, he may have other problems, and some of the reasons for this might be:
1. The puppy isn’t quite old enough to control his bodily functions.
2. The pup didn’t use the bathroom before being confined.
3. The puppy might have worms.
4. The pup drank too much water before being put into the crate.
5. Before he was crated, he had to go to the bathroom in tight areas.
6. There could be a health problem with the pup.
7. The puppy might have a real problem with separation anxiety.
If you take your time and don’t rush it, puppy crate training can be a terrific way to both housebreak your dog, and allow them to have a special place that they will feel secure in as well.
