One of the first challenges with a new puppy is potty training. Thankfully, crate training can make the housebreaking process easier and less frustrating!
Some people believe crate training a puppy or older dog is inhumane, even cruel. But it is all about how you introduce your puppy to the crate. Crate training should never be used:
- Negatively as a punishment,
- As a long-term “babysitter” or
- When you do not have enough time and patience to properly introduce and crate train.
Crates Equal Modern-Day Dog Dens
Even puppies come with genetic, age-old instincts. For example, the need for a protected refuge (den) to retreat to for protection from other predators, bad weather, safety and security. Our dog’s wild ancestors also used dens as a safe and clean place for their pups to learn and grow.
Using a crate as a den also makes housebreaking much easier because no dog wants to sleep in the same place they go to the toilet!
Click here to learn how to teach your puppy to ring a bell to go outside from the AKC!
Introducing Crate Training
In the beginning, let your canine explore the den on his own with the door open. Place his favorite treats or toys inside to encourage him to explore the crate. His natural curiosity will motivate him to explore this new place. In the beginning, do not close the door and lock him inside to avoid scaring him.
Crates and Potty Training
For successful potty training, make sure your crate is not too big for your puppy. If it is, your puppy will go to the bathroom in one corner and then relax in the opposite corner. The ideal crate is just large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around. If necessary, use a dividing partition to make part of the crate smaller as you train your puppy to a regular potty schedule.
Remember to stick to a strict schedule of bathroom breaks when housetraining! If necessary, hire a professional to help stay on schedule.
“A puppy can generally control his bladder one hour for every month of age.”
~ Humane Society ~
Keep in mind, accidents can happen in puppies up to a year old. So be patient and always reward your puppy’s good behavior!
Crates Offers Other Benefits
Remember, crates are safe places for your puppy or dog to be able to retreat to when they need it. Times when:
- They are overwhelmed or stressed by strangers, small children or other pets.
- There is unsupervised food or drinks (especially those not dog-friendly!).
- There is thunder, fireworks or other loud and frightening noises.
- Your dog needs to heal from an illness, injury or even surgery.
Click here to learn about the 12 Best dog Crates for Every Pet according to Pet Owners in this Forbes article.
Crates: A Few More Notes
- Always keep your dog’s crate in the room where the family spends the most time to avoid K9 social or isolation issues. All canines are pack animals and look to the pack (including their humans) for safety, security and socialization even in their crate.
- When your puppy seeks out their create, give them their space! Do not bother them when theyare in their “den.”
- Never force your puppy to accept crate training. Always make it a fun game and your puppy will learn to positively view their crate as its special place.
Unsure about how to properly crate train your new puppy or dog?
Reach out to a local expert dog trainer for help.
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
Want more information about any of our puppies or upcoming litters?
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
