Using Crate Training to Housebreak your Dog
Article written by Nancy Settecasi
Some dog owners may feel that crate training is cruel. That is simply not true. If the crate is a good size for your dog (where he can stand up and turn around in) and you set him up with a nice, comfy bed and a rubber bone, he may never want to leave the crate he calls “home.” Crate training gives your dog a sense of security, especially when he’s a young pup. Crate training also makes it easier to travel with your dog. When starting out, it may be a good idea to take a week off from work in order to provide praising when necessary and constant supervision.
The most important thing to remember when crate training is not to associate going into the crate as punishment. Never send him into the crate because he’s done something wrong. Crate time is to be considered a pleasurable experience.
- When crate training, make sure the crate is placed in an area that is close to the family, such as the kitchen, living room or den (away from a drafty area or a radiator). This way he doesn’t feel isolated.
- Initially, do not leave a puppy in a crate, during the day, for longer than 4 hours. They can’t hold it in longer than that. As they get older, they can hold it in longer.
- He should be placed in the crate at bedtime, naptime or anytime you are unable to supervise him. These times include leaving the house to run an errand, going to the basement to wash clothes, taking a shower or going upstairs to make the beds. Then, in a friendly tone, reassure him that you will be back. Do not make it an emotional departure. You may even want to give him a treat.
- When starting crate training, occasionally keep him in the crate while your still in the room so he doesn’t associate crate time as a time of abandonment.
- Encourage him to enter the crate by placing a couple of snacks or his favorite bone in there. Always speak in a happy tone when telling him to go in the crate.
- If he whimpers or barks when placed in the crate, in a firm tone, say “Stop” or “No”. After a few times, he will quiet down. If not, then ignore him. This may sound cruel, but if you open the crate and let him out, then HE has just trained YOU.
- If he whimpers in the middle of the night and you can’t ignore him because he’s waking up the whole house, try placing his crate closer to the bedrooms and placing a shirt or towel from the hamper into the crate (the smellier the better). This will make your dog feel like you're close by because he smells your scent. Or use the potty command and see if he responds with perked ears and a tail wag. He may just have to go potty. If you see that this is not the case, then put him back in the crate and go back to bed. If at all possible, try to ignore the cries.
- Only allow him to come out of the crate during a time that he’s been quiet because he may associate barking or whimpering as a way out of the crate. Leave him out for small periods of time (1 hour) throughout the day under constant supervision. If he does well with this schedule, you can begin to prolong the time he spends out of the crate.
- Do not place his food and water in the crate while crate training because he might knock them over and make a mess in the crate. Food and water can be left next to the crate.
- Every time he leaves the crate, he should be placed on the newspaper, litter box or sent outside to relieve himself. Be sure the praise and reward him each time.
- Once you’ve established a routine and everything seems to working out, you may then try leaving the crate door open and have your dog come and go as he pleases. You’ll be surprised to see that he will be spending a lot of time in the crate voluntarily.
- Keep in mind that accidents happen. Only reprimand your dog when you catch him in the act. If it is so much as 3 seconds later, it’s too late.
Crate training comes highly recommend by dog trainers, breeders and veterinarians. Remember to keep in mind that any type of training requires much patience.