One of the
first things owners teacli their puppy is
not to eliminate in the house. One very effective
method — the one used by most breeders
and trainers — is crate training. Not
only can you housetrain a puppy using a crate, but when used correctly, the dog naturally learns to look upon it as his den. He will seek out the crate when he wishes to rest undisturbed.
The
crate's success as a house-training tool is simple: Puppies will not soil their sleeping area
if they can possibly avoid it. But remember
that a puppy needs time to play. Use the crate when you can't watch your puppy,
but don't overuse it.
Crate-Training Basics: Crates come in many different styles and sizes. Choose one that will be large enough for an adult clog of your puppy's
breed to lay clown, stand up and turn around in without difficulty.
Many breeders use fiberglass airline
crates. But avoid the ones with zinc nuts
and bolts, as these can poison a clog if he should swallow them. Wire crates work well — they fold up and are fairly portable.
Put the crate in a location
close to
other family
members, to lessen the puppy's anxieties.
Move it from the kitchen or family room to the bedroom at night so your puppy will always feel a part of his new family.
Remove the puppy's collar before he goes into his crate. Then be prepared for his first experience with crate
training — he will probably cry or whine. Offer him a treat and close
the door. Leave the room but remain nearby.
At the first sign of a separation response, such as barking, whining or howling,
intervene with a sharp "No!" Your puppy should associate the reprimand with his actions
and stop. It may take four or five tries, but he will eventually settle down.
Once he is quiet, keep him in his crate
for 30 to 45 minutes. If he begins to
cry, take him outside to relieve himself.
When he has accomplished that, praise him, take him back inside and allow him free time outside his crate. If he starts chewing
on something other than his toys, respond with a sharp "No!", take
the object away and replace it with a toy.
After 15 to 20 minutes of free time to play,
put him back in his crate for a
nap. If he
cries, correct him. Because he is learning
through association, consistency should help your puppy accept being
in his crate after only a few tries. When your puppy has been quiet for an hour or so, repeat the process.
Be aware that your puppy will need to
eliminate directly upon waking and shortly
after eating or playing. Also, a very young
puppy will not be able to hold his urine all
night, so be prepared to take him out during
the night.
Put. your puppy on his leash immediately after letting
him out of the crate. Rush him to the door or carry him if he is small so he can avoid an accident. And be sure he does relieve
himself once he's outside.
Never
place newspapers on the ; bottom of his crate, as these will only ! encourage
him to eliminate there. I After you are sure your puppy isn't ;;: wetting his bed, you can give him a ,| towel or blanket, though
he may be \ more comfortable
without one. .I Gradually lengthen the amount of . time your puppy is allowed to play. By the
time he is five or six months old, he should be able to control himself for an hour or so between trips outside.
Saving Your Furniture: The Crate is
also useful
as an aid in curbing destructive behavior,
such as uncontrolled chewing. As your puppy
matures and proves himself capable of being
loose in the.house, give him that privilege.
The crate itself cannot stop your puppy's need to chew when
he is teething, so provide him with safe chewable toys and nylon or rawhide bones. If he continues to chew beyond the teething
stage (about eight months), he is probably
just bored, so try to spend more time with him.
By the time he is 8 months old (a bit older for giant breeds), he should be able to walk around the house for most of the day once he has been taken
outside to relieve himself. By 1 year of age, he should be mature enough to be
trusted all night in the house. But keep his crate
set up with the door open anyway. He will
become attached to his own private "den" and will look for it.
