9 Things You Need To Know About Crate Training Your Puppy

Potty Trained Pups = Happy Pups & Happy Owners

The first few weeks you have your puppy are the most formative in several regards. One of the primary behaviors that is essential for your puppy's life is proper potty/crate training. There are several steps to get your puppy trained as quickly as possible, but all steps have a common denominator - consistency! Crate training relies on your puppy's natural desire to keep it's bed clean. We encourage you to follow the tips below to help your puppy along during the potty training process.

#1 - Carry Your Puppy
Carry the puppy to the same location every time and use the same phrase or command to encourage the puppy to eliminate. Praise every success. Don't worry, you won't have to carry it forever - as the puppy matures, it can walk to the door itself!

#2 - Back To The Drawing Board
If the time is right and you know the puppy needs to go but he does not want to, return the puppy to the crate for five to fifteen minutes and then carry the puppy back outside to the correct site. 


#3 - Praise Is Everything
Praise, praise, praise your puppy! Studies show that positive reinforcement is more efficient than physical punishment. Even if you are upset if your puppy has an accident, stay calm, and focus on the each and every win. Your puppy will want to please you!

#4 - Body Language
Watch for your puppy's body language. Circling, sniffing, walking backward, and pausing in a straddle position are all common prior to elimination.

#5 - Night-time Care
Only rise with your puppy the first week or so when they are new to the home; but remember, getting up every time the puppy asks only encourages this behavior as a chance to interact with you. Have the crate in another room so your puppy isn't disturbed when you roll over, snore, get up...etc. The object of crate training is to help them learn control of their bladder and bowel, not that they can go out anytime. 

#6 - Routines Are Helpful
Puppies need to go outside after sleeping (even a short nap), after eating, before bed, and many times during play. Playtime is when most accidents occur. Restrict your puppy's access to most of the house. Be sure to put your baby in it's bed for naps to prevent "after sleeping" accidents.

#7 - Accidents Happen - Be Kind
If there is an accident, clean up with an enzyme-type pet odor remover. Do not discipline the puppy. Puppies learn to hide when they need to relieve themselves if they fear your reaction. The reality is that house-training is first learned by people then puppies.

#8 - Be Consistent
Do not use a modified approach to potty-training. What we mean by this is if you start with crate-training, switching to paper training can confuse your pet.

#9 - Tempted To Give Them A Treat? Think again
There is a time and a place for everything. Although rewarding your dog with a treat for potty training seems like a good idea, we advise against it. Puppies are smart, and learning that going potty = treats can soon get your puppy going to the potty all the time in order to get that coveted reward in addition to contributing to weight issues.


Why Crate Training?
There are several great reasons to crate train your puppy. Crate training your pet allows you to include him/her in all aspects of family life, while you still maintain control of your home. Here are just a few of those for you to consider:

• For Small Breeds - Crate training is great for small breeds because they feel safe and secure in a small bed, and it restricts their area enough to tap their internal desire to keep the bed clean. The laundry room or a playpen is simply too much space.

• For Large Breeds - Crate training is also great for large breeds because as they grow older (between 8-18 months of age), and their chewing needs really influence their behavior, your home will be protected from damage. At this time in their lives, your dog will already have adjusted and be comfortable with the crate. A one-year old retriever, for example, can do massive damage to carpet, door moldings, wallpaper and wallboard. In this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a hundred dollars of cure.

• Travelling With Your Pet - When travelling, your pet will always have his own bed to sleep in. This helps reduce stress levels in your pet, and also can prevent any damage or accidents from taking place that would lead to your pet getting in trouble.

The crate is your pet's safe haven, a bedroom, and small oasis when visiting children or guests cause mayhem or stress. Crating your pet is a loving task that greatly decreases the odds of your pet becoming a backyard dog. Every successful experience is important so make sure to give your puppy praise!