Puppies! Crate Training Your Puppy

What is crate training?
Crate training does not mean confining your puppy so he doesn't get into mischief. This isn't the correct use of the crate. Because most puppies don't like to soil the place where they eat and sleep, the crate is a very effective way of house-training your puppy. An added bonus is that most puppies feel very comfortable in a crate as it provides a safe den for them.

How to crate train your puppy
If you purchased a large crate so that your puppy can use it when he is full-grown, partition it. This will make it more den-like and comfortable for your puppy. He will also be less likely to soil the smaller space as long as he's not left in the crate for extended periods. Make the crate comfortable by lining it with your puppy's favorite blanket.

Step 1:
Put a few treats in the crate and show your puppy how to get in. Once he is in, praise him a lot and reward him with a treat. Don't close the door of the crate. At this point you just want to introduce your puppy to the crate, and show him how to get in and out.

Step 2:
Choose a cue word that will be used consistently, such as "crate." Using the word you have chosen, lead your puppy to his crate with a treat. Again, once in, reward him with a lot of praise and a treat. Repeat this several times until your puppy knows what you want him to do when he hears the cue word.

Step 3:
When your puppy is familiar with the cue word, repeat the above step but this time, once your puppy is in the crate, shut the door. The door should only be shut for a very short period of time. Immediately upon taking your puppy out of his crate bring him outside and give him an opportunity to relieve himself.

Step 4:
As your puppy gets used to resting in the crate you can give him the cue word at different times and for longer intervals. You should be at home when your puppy is crated, and he should not be crated for longer than 45 minutes to an hour.

Successful crate training
The crate should be in a high traffic area of your home. If your puppy feels isolated he won't enjoy the crate. As with any training the more enjoyable it is for your puppy, the more successful it will be. In order for crate training to be successful a puppy should never be sent to the crate as a punishment. And, because most puppies can't control their bladders for extended periods, they should only be in the crate for short periods of time.

Immediately upon taking your puppy out of his crate bring him outside and give him an opportunity to relieve himself. Puppies should be given an opportunity to relieve their bladders every hour. If your puppy has soiled his crate, it's likely he was left in the crate too long. With proper crate training you establish a routine with your puppy, and he is more likely to relieve his bladder in the correct spot in your presence.

(content courtesy of pedigree.com)