House Training Puppies – Crate Training Is The Most Effective Method
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Crate training is the quickest way to get the job done when you are house training puppies. The reason why crate training puppies works is because it’s very easy to get a grip on the eating and toilet schedule for your dog, and his opportunities for accidents are greatly reduced.
Many inexperienced dog owners are uncomfortable with the idea of crate training, as it might seem harsh or cruel. Dogs enjoy having a private den area, and the crate becomes a safe space for your puppy that he knows is his “home” and he can go to when he’s tired. The way crate training basically works is that a puppy is resistant to going to the toilet in his own space, and will try to hold off on relieving himself until he can get to another location-this is why crate training works.
You should purchase a crate that is big enough to let your puppy get up and walk around in a small circle and lie down. As he gets larger, you might upgrade to a larger crate if needed. Dogs do not like to lie in their own urine (who would??) and so they will hold off as long as they possibly can.
Note your puppy’s eating and drinking schedule as well as the times he goes to the bathroom throughout the day. Now you can put together a schedule of expected toilet breaks based on the times of day your puppy might need to go use the toilet. Potty breaks are typically needed after vigorous play, about 30 minutes after eating, just before bedtime and first thing in the morning. A few middle of the night trips are probably needed if you puppy is very young, until their bladders allow them to hold it throughout the night.
When you take your dog out of his crate first thing each morning, just go ahead and take him straight to his potty area. I recommend to simply carry him straight there and just set him down in the toilet area. Plan to just stand there for about 10-15 or so minutes, hoping something happens. If he does go to the bathroom, immediately give your puppy tons of enthusiastic praise and affection, and I recommend also giving a treat. If he doesn’t go potty, just take him back to his crate, and repeat the process in about 20 minutes. Just repeat until your puppy is successful, and once your puppy goes, after giving praise, let your puppy have some playtime as a reward. This teaches your puppy to take care of business first, then playtime. This develops good habits.
Crate training puppies can take a lot of time in the beginning, but be patient with your puppy. Crate training works. Your puppy should be kept in his crate throughout the day and night but with frequent, regular breaks for playing.
Whenever your dog is out of his crate, keep your eyes on him at all times. If you catch him about to have an accident on the carpet, shout No! and whisk him up and take him immediately out to the right area. This can be messy and chaotic, but it is really the only chance you have to help him understand where to go.
When you are in the middle of house training puppies, you should understand that accidents will happen, just be prepared not to call attention to it. Quietly clean it up without letting your dog see. You’ll want to use proper dog mess cleaning products that take care of the smell of urine. It will take time and patience for your puppy to learn proper potty habits, so be patient with him.
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