| When house breaking a new puppy, people will often | | | | with the door closed. |
| use the crate to teach them not to relieve | | | | If you have trouble getting them to go inside the |
| themselves in the home. Dogs need to learn where | | | | crate, start playing fetch and toss the toy into the |
| to go to the bathroom. | | | | crate. They will soon get comfortable with it. |
| They will make mistakes so don't punish them | | | | The first night they stay in the crate, they may |
| severely. You just want to scold them and reward | | | | whine. Reasure them but try to get them to settle |
| them when they go where you want them to. And | | | | down. You can move the crate into your bedroom if |
| don't try to teach them the whole backyard is the | | | | you have to. But quickly have a set place for the |
| right spot. Teach them that THIS spot is where they | | | | crate. |
| go when it is time. | | | | Soon your dog will start going in the crate on their |
| It usually takes 7 days before they will get the hint | | | | own and taking naps inside. Have a crate blanket for |
| and start going to the right spot on their own. With a | | | | them to get used to sleeping on. |
| puppy, you need to be watching them all the time. If | | | | Take off any dog collars before you crate your dog. |
| they make a mistake it was your fault not the dogs. | | | | They could get something caught inside the cage and |
| Watch them closely and when you see them making | | | | be injured. It would be easy for them to choke if |
| the signs of getting ready, immediately take them | | | | something gets hung up while inside the cage. |
| outside. And reward them with a treat and praise | | | | Never use the crate as punishment or put your dog |
| after a good job. | | | | in the crate when you are angry at them. The dog |
| Now, you probably can't be with your puppy around | | | | should only consider the crate as a safe and |
| the clock 24 hours a day so that is where the crate | | | | comfortable place that is their own. It is not a |
| comes in. The crate is used as a sort of control. | | | | punishment to be in the crate. |
| Dogs will not go potty where they sleep unless they | | | | If your dog is sick and has diarrhea don't put him in |
| are sick. | | | | the crate. They will have no choice but to mess in |
| So the crate should be sized for your dog. They | | | | the crate. It will be defeating your purpose of crating |
| should be able to sprawl out but that is all the room | | | | if they get used to going potty inside the crate. |
| they have. There should be no spare space on the | | | | Only put food and water in the crate when you are |
| floor of your crate if it is sized correctly. | | | | home. Don't leave food or water inside if you are |
| So when they are in the crate they really have no | | | | leaving. Also you just leave food and water inside for |
| place to go. This means you can't leave them in the | | | | short periods of time. The crate is for sleeping and |
| crate too long. A seven month old puppy can't be | | | | that is why they don't relieve themselves in there. |
| expected to hold it more than 7 hours. Two month | | | | Soon, your dog will learn to always go outside but it |
| olds can only last about 2 hours max. | | | | is your duty to watch them all the time until they |
| The idea is to put them in the crate at night and | | | | learn this. Watch for the signals that they need to |
| when you leave the house. Not only will this be a nice | | | | get outside and immediately take them. |
| safe and secure home for them but they will soon | | | | Using a crate is a great way to train your puppy. And |
| learn outside is where they relieve themselves. | | | | you should be able to house break the dog within 7 |
| You will still have to keep an eye on them inside the | | | | days. You paying attention and catching them before |
| home when they are out of the crate. | | | | they have a mistake is the key. If you reward good |
| And remember to take them outside as soon as you | | | | behavior, you dog will catch on pretty fast. |
| let them out of the crate. | | | | It is most important to remember the crate is never |
| Some tips for using a dog crate: | | | | punishment so never yell at the dog when you want |
| Do not force them into the crate. Start slow by | | | | her to go in the cage. Always say it like it is a super |
| leaving the door tied open the first day. Let your dog | | | | fun idea and praise her for getting in the crate. |
| explore the crate on its own. Feed the dog in the | | | | It is only a matter of time until she will use the crate |
| crate and close the crate door for a short time. | | | | for napping a lot. It is really a den inside the house |
| Extend the amount of time you leave them inside as | | | | for your dog. |
| the day goes on until they get used to being inside | | | | |