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.
Some people have a difficult time with crate training because they feel it is cruel, and your puppy may fuss a bit about being kept in the crate, and that's normal. However, dogs like having a den area, and this creates a safe area for your dog that he knows is his "home". Crate training works because a puppy is very resistant to messing up his own space, and will hold off on relieving himself until he can get to another location.
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.
Note your puppy's eating and drinking schedule as well as the times he goes to the bathroom throughout the day. Now you can put together a schedule of expected toilet breaks based on the times of day your puppy might need to go use the toilet. Potty breaks are typically needed after vigorous play, about 30 minutes after eating, just before bedtime and first thing in the morning. A few middle of the night trips are probably needed if you puppy is very young, until their bladders allow them to hold it throughout the night.
When you take your puppy out of the crate in the morning, take him right to his toilet area. Simply carry him straight there and set him down in the toilet area if he tends to get distracted or run off. You should just stand there for 10-15 or so minutes, simply watching and waiting. If he actually goes to the bathroom, immediately give your puppy lots of verbal praise and affection, and you can also give a treat. If he doesn't go, then take him back to his crate, and in about 20 minutes or so, try again. Just repeat this pattern until successful, and once your puppy does go, reward the good behavior with playtime. You want to teach your dog that he needs to take care of business first, then he gets playtime. This sets up good habits.
In the initial stages, crate training puppies takes a lot of time and focus. If done right, you should see improvements quickly. Your puppy will need frequent breaks playing throughout the day, but for the most part he should stay in the crate during the early stages of the training process.
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 house training puppies, be patient and understanding, because accidents will happen. What you should do is quietly clean up the mess without letting your dog see, so you aren't drawing any attention to it. Be sure and use a proper cleaning product to remove the urine smell. And remember, your puppy is just a baby and doesn't know any better, so take the time to teach him what to do, and your patience will be rewarded!
Some people have a difficult time with crate training because they feel it is cruel, and your puppy may fuss a bit about being kept in the crate, and that's normal. However, dogs like having a den area, and this creates a safe area for your dog that he knows is his "home". Crate training works because a puppy is very resistant to messing up his own space, and will hold off on relieving himself until he can get to another location.
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.
Note your puppy's eating and drinking schedule as well as the times he goes to the bathroom throughout the day. Now you can put together a schedule of expected toilet breaks based on the times of day your puppy might need to go use the toilet. Potty breaks are typically needed after vigorous play, about 30 minutes after eating, just before bedtime and first thing in the morning. A few middle of the night trips are probably needed if you puppy is very young, until their bladders allow them to hold it throughout the night.
When you take your puppy out of the crate in the morning, take him right to his toilet area. Simply carry him straight there and set him down in the toilet area if he tends to get distracted or run off. You should just stand there for 10-15 or so minutes, simply watching and waiting. If he actually goes to the bathroom, immediately give your puppy lots of verbal praise and affection, and you can also give a treat. If he doesn't go, then take him back to his crate, and in about 20 minutes or so, try again. Just repeat this pattern until successful, and once your puppy does go, reward the good behavior with playtime. You want to teach your dog that he needs to take care of business first, then he gets playtime. This sets up good habits.
In the initial stages, crate training puppies takes a lot of time and focus. If done right, you should see improvements quickly. Your puppy will need frequent breaks playing throughout the day, but for the most part he should stay in the crate during the early stages of the training process.
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 house training puppies, be patient and understanding, because accidents will happen. What you should do is quietly clean up the mess without letting your dog see, so you aren't drawing any attention to it. Be sure and use a proper cleaning product to remove the urine smell. And remember, your puppy is just a baby and doesn't know any better, so take the time to teach him what to do, and your patience will be rewarded!
About the Author:
Author Alicia Ainsley Summers has been training dogs for over 10 years and is an expert trainer of puppies and small dogs. In addition to teaching her clients about the best training techniques, she enjoys spoiling her two little maltese dogs. For more expert tips on how to train a puppy, take a look at her House Training Puppies site.
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