Crate Training 
 

There are two different types of crates available.  The first is plastic or fiberglass.  The second is a heavy wire gauged type crate.  Wire gauged crate also come with covers, mattresses and bumpers in several different colors.  The kind of crate to use is your personal preference.   

Choose the right size for you puppy.  Your puppy should be able to stand and turn around with no extra room for him to eliminate in his crate.  If the crate is too big the puppy will eliminate in the back corner and still be able to stay away from it.  If your puppy is a large breed you will want to purchase a crate that will fit him when he is fully grown.  Almost all crate comes with a divider panel, if the one you selected does not, you may wish to place a piece of plywood in it and adjust it to the appropriate size. 

When introducing the crate to the puppy you will want to take your time with this, because you ant your puppy to feel comfortable with his new “safe place”.  Open the door and toss a treat inside and say  “Ben go to bed”.  Let the puppy go in grab the treat and come back out.  Repeat this a few times, keeping in mind not to use your hands, let him go in at his own pace.  You can start feeding your puppy in the crate with the door open.  Once he starts going in the crate with no signs of stress you may close the door behind him. 

At night keep the crate with you, he will be able to see you and hear you.  With him close to you, you will be able to hear him if he gets restless.  You will have to let him outside to eliminate.  If you know he does not need to go outside, then tap on the crate and say “No, quiet”.

At night keep the crate with you, he will be able to see you and hear you.  With him close to you, you will be able to hear him if he gets restless.  You will have to let him outside to eliminate.  If you know he does not need to go outside, then tap on the crate and say “No, quiet”. 

During the day, place the puppy in the crate for 20 or 30 minutes here and there.  Whenever you’re unable to supervise your puppy, you will need to place him in the crate.  Remember never use the crate as a punishment. 

* Don’t let your puppy out of the crate even if he cries and barks excessively.  He should learn that crying and barking will not get him out of the crate.  With proper training you’re puppy will love his new safe place. 

Every time you puppy comes out of his crate you will need to take him to his designated potty place outside.  Praise him when he goes.  Scheduling is also a key in potty training.  Every time he wakes from a nap, plays, chews, eats, drinks and paces he needs to go outside.  The older he gets the longer he will be able to control is movements.

When accidents happen  

Accidents will happen, mainly because you didn’t follow your own schedule, or you weren’t watching him.  So this is your fault and it’s important that you remember this. 

If you find an accident after it has happened, don’t reprimand the puppy, it’s too late for that.  Don’t rub the dog’s nose in the mess.  This is disgusting and it teaches the puppy that elimination is wrong.  Clean up the mess without him watching you, otherwise he thinks you’re playing in it and it will be okay to potty in the house.

 When you catch him in the act, use verbal correction:  “Accckk! What are you doing? No!” immediately pick him up and bring him to his designated potty spot.  Don’t forget to praise him for going outside.

 Most puppies can be housebroken within 6 months.

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