A Guide on Potty Training a Puppy with Crate Training
Although it takes considerable patience and commitment, crate training, also known as kennel training, is a great way to house train your puppy. For this method to work, it is very important for the owner to always give their puppy positive association with the crate. It is important to never associate the crate as a tool of confinement or punishment. You want your puppy to feel like the crate is their comfortable and secure private den where they can rest and relax. Since dogs instinctively do not like to go potty where they sleep, crate training naturally assists with housebreaking. Therefore the consistent schedule of crating and letting the puppy out to do their business in the preferred area is the key to success with this training method.
Tip: Limit playing with your puppy in areas where you do not want them to go potty.
It is really important for the puppy owner to keep a consistent regimen of crating the puppy followed by a bathroom break in the correct location. It can be difficult for a new puppy owner to keep their new canine friend in a kennel, but this will assure a quicker path toward toilet training success. If you want to play with your puppy away from their crate it is really important to do it outdoors or in another area with puppy pads where it is okay to eliminate. You will get the best results if you can minimize accidents in areas that are not acceptable long-term areas of elimination. If you really want to play with your puppy inside, limit the length of time and make sure it is right after they have gone potty in order to avoid accidents.
1) Choose the Right Dog Crate
Choose a crate just large enough for your puppy to be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. It is important to choose a crate that fits your puppy properly. You do not want a crate that is too large. Remember your puppy will not want to eliminate in their den (bed). If the crate is too large, your puppy may be comfortable going to the bathroom inside the crate in a far corner away from their bed. It is recommended to purchase a crate that fits the adult size of your puppy’s breed and that includes an adjustable space limiting divider inside; this allows you to adjust the space available as your puppy grows. Place temporary bedding inside that will make your puppy comfortable. Paw Inspired washable dog pads fit perfectly inside most standard-sized crates and are super absorbent, leakproof, and machine-washable. Our dog pads are recommended during crate training as they fit conveniently into the crates and are easy to wash and reuse so you can continue using them even after your puppy has been toilet trained.
2) Introduce Your Puppy to Their New Crate
Make your puppy’s new crate a center for enjoyment. Start by putting treats inside the crate to encourage your puppy to voluntarily enter and explore. Add toys and bones inside the crate. At this stage keep the cage door open and allow your dog to become familiar on their own accord. You need to keep a close eye on your puppy to avoid accidents. You can also use disposable or reusable puppy pads around the crate to protect your floors in case there is an unfortunate accident. Use positive reinforcement and kind praise to make sure your dog has a pleasant experience associated with their crate.
3) Feed Your Puppy in the Crate
Begin to feed your puppy in the crate. Start with the bowl close to the opening of the crate and slowly inch the bowl further toward the back of the crate.
4) Start Closing the Door
When you get to the point where your puppy gladly enters the crate to eat, start gently closing the door behind him while they are eating.
5) Lengthen Crating Periods
Once your puppy is used to eating their meals and waiting to be let out with no anxiety or crying, you can start confining them longer when you’re home. If your puppy starts to cry, wait for them to stop crying to let them out. When you want your puppy in their crate, put a treat inside and use an association word like “kennel” so your puppy can learn their new command. At first you may need to sit next to him for a little while before going into another room. It is important to not only crate when you are away but also when you are at home, so your puppy will not associate the crate with being left alone. Start slowly increasing the time and remember to only let your puppy out when they are calm and not crying. A puppy should never be left in their crate for more than three hours at a time. You do not want your puppy to become uncomfortable because of boredom or the urge to pee. An older dog can be crated at longer intervals, but still keep in mind the dog should be routinely let out to exercise, play, and have the chance to use the bathroom. Make sure your dog or puppy has access to water at all times.
Tip: As hard as it may be, remember to wait until your puppy has stopped crying before letting him out of the crate so they won’t continue the habit of crying to be let out.
6) Let your Puppy Out & Take Him Immediately to the Designated Elimination Area
Once your puppy can be crated for longer periods of time, the real house training begins. During the day and night, keep your puppy in their crate and let them out every few hours. When you let them out, take them immediately to the location you want your puppy to go potty. If you want your puppy to eliminate outdoors, take your puppy immediately outside to the place of choice. If you want your puppy to eliminate on puppy pads, place the puppy pad in a consistent long-term elimination area and place your puppy immediately on top of the puppy pad so they can eliminate.
While your puppy is eliminating in the correct spot (outside or on the puppy pad) use an association phrase like “go potty” so your puppy can learn this new command. You can use this command in the future to encourage your dog to eliminate. Make sure to use animated love and praise followed by a treat when your puppy goes to the bathroom in the correct spot. For more on potty training using puppy pads, check out our blog post.
If you are unable to let your puppy out at least every three hours, you need to provide an alternative. One potential solution: You can leave the door of the crate open and place the crate in a larger confined area like a playpen. Our large playpen mat can make this area a comfy and cozy place for your pet. Line the playpen area with puppy pads. The puppy will then have an alternative to exit their crate and eliminate on the puppy pads.
For owners that want their puppy eliminating outdoors, this is only a temporary solution to a busy schedule. You really want to make time to let them outside throughout the day and night, until they have completed the housebreaking process.
For owners that often need to leave their dog home alone and prefer their dog to use puppy pads, this is a good alternative. As the puppy starts using the puppy pads in the playpen, you can gradually limit the number of puppy pads you lay down inside the playpen until you’re using only one puppy pad per time period.
7) Keep a Consistent Routine
If you stick with a consistent routine, your puppy will eventually succeed. Once there are no more accidents, reward your puppy with permanent bedding! Our plush crate mats fit perfectly into most crate sizes and are easy to clean, and the cushioning provides extra comfort for your pet. Alternatively, we also offer fitted bed protectors that are machine-washable and easy to clean if you prefer to keep a full dog bed inside your pet’s crate.
Tip: Positive reinforcement is the best method for training and obedience. Your puppy will make mistakes – it is all part of the process! Remember to be patient and do not punish him. Punishing your puppy is not effective; they react to praise and love much better!
Overall, crate training a puppy is not only a great way to house train a dog; it also provides your pet with a safe place to retreat during moments of high energy or even anxiety. A crate-trained dog is also much easier to manage during travel, whether you choose to board your pet or take your furry friend with you.
Each dog is different. If you have comments or other special ways to get positive results, please leave them in the comments section below.