Sunday, September 27, 2009

Crate Training Is The Best Method For House Training Puppies

By Alicia Ainsley Summers

When House Training Puppies, crate training is the quickest way to get the job done. It works so well because when crate training puppies, it's very simple to get a handle on your dog's eating and toilet schedule, while making it very clear to your puppy where the toilet area is.

Many inexperienced dog owners are uncomfortable with the idea of crate training, as it might seem harsh or cruel. Dogs enjoy having a private den area, and the crate becomes a safe space for your puppy that he knows is his "home" and he can go to when he's tired. The way crate training basically works is that a puppy is resistant to going to the toilet in his own space, and will try to hold off on relieving himself until he can get to another location-this is why crate training works.

You should purchase a crate that is big enough to let your puppy get up and walk around in a small circle and lie down. As he gets larger, you might upgrade to a larger crate if needed. Dogs do not like to lie in their own urine (who would??) and so they will hold off as long as they possibly can.

Keep track of the times each day your puppy drinks, eats and goes to the bathroom throughout the day. Then put together a toilet break schedule based on the times of day your puppy might need to go potty. Potty times usually happen first thing in the morning, after vigorous play, about 30 minutes after eating, and just before bedtime. For very young puppies a few nighttime time trips might be needed if they cannot hold it all night long.

The first thing you do when you take your puppy out of his crate is take him right to the toilet area. If he gets easily distracted, simply carry him straight there and set him down in the toilet area. Be prepared to watch and wait for 10-15 minutes, especially in the beginning. Once he has finished his business, immediately give lots of verbal praise and offer him a treat. If nothing happens, take him back to the crate, and try again in about 20 minutes. Repeat until successful, and then reward the good behavior with playtime, as well as lots of praise and affection. It is important to teach your dog that he needs to go potty first, then he can have playtime. This sets him up to expect and understand that he should get his business done and then he gets playtime.

Crate training puppies can take a lot of time in the beginning, but be patient with your puppy. Crate training works. Your puppy should be kept in his crate throughout the day and night but with frequent, regular breaks for playing.

Keep your eyes on your puppy at all times whenever he is out of the crate playing or wandering about. You have to train your eyes on him at all times, and if you see he is about to go on the carpet, swoop in and take him out to the right area immediately. This will be awkward (especially mid-stream) , but it is the only opportunity to help your puppy understand where his toilet area is and change his habits.

When you are in the middle of house training puppies, you should understand that accidents will happen, just be prepared not to call attention to it. Quietly clean it up without letting your dog see. You'll want to use proper dog mess cleaning products that take care of the smell of urine. It will take time and patience for your puppy to learn proper potty habits, so be patient with him.

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