How to properly use a crate to train your dog

If you have a new puppy at home that you are looking to potty train, crate training may be the best solution for you. One of my favorite things to tell new pet owners is that you can always take the crate away, but it is hard to introduce it later. The more strict you start off before the dog has free roam of the house, the better behaved and less restrictions the dog will need as an adult!

Don't feel like you are being mean by using a crate. Crates are safe solutions for untrained and teething puppies. Without a crate or constant supervision, you may run into danger of your dog eating something they shouldn't have or getting hurt. The crate teaches your dog structure, rules and routine so that they can eventually roam the house freely. 

Crate training typically only takes six to eight weeks. Even if the dog is doing well with no accidents, resist the urge to get rid of the crate. Structure, routine and CONSISTENCY are what will ensure a successfully trained puppy. 

If used properly and not as a punishment, your dog will likely like their crate. Dogs are denning animals and like being in small spaces. This is why dogs will typically gravitate to a certain corner of your house or frequent their dog bed. 

So how do you begin using a crate? 

1. Pick a size crate that your dog has enough room to stand up, turn around and lay down to sleep, but not enough room to go to the bathroom on one side and sleep on the other. If your dog is a puppy that will grow, you can get a larger sized crate with a divider to make smaller temporarily. 

2. Your dog should be crated whenever you are not home, not supervising or asleep. If you are home and can take the dog out every 2-3 hours to go to the bathroom, he or she will train more quickly than a dog is taken out less frequently.

3. We suggest placing the crate in a central area of the home, like a kitchen or den, instead of your bedroom. This will get the dog used to being crated when you are home, up and around. This will help them realize the crate is not isolating or a punishment.

4. Crating your puppy will ensure that he or she is receiving rest throughout the day, which is imperative for a growing puppy. Puppies sleep 12-14 hours a day on average. It is common for people to bring puppies home and overplay with them, leading to hypoglycemic shock.

5. Do NOT put a wee wee pad in the crate. Wee wee pads are your dog's bathroom, and if you put a pad in the crate your dog will think they are supposed to use the bathroom there. The crate is meant to teach your dog to hold and go to the bathroom on a schedule.

6. TIP - take your dog out of the crate and bring them to the bathroom each time immediately. This will teach them they are holding in the crate and they will get to go potty as soon as they get out, so just hold!

7. Reward your dog with a training treat each time they use the bathroom appropriately. Only use treats for potty while housebreaking, so they have to work for it! Use their name a lot to reward them :) 

8. When bringing new bones or toys home, give them to your dog when they are in the crate. This will bring a positive association to this space.

When used properly, dogs typically like their crate. Well trained dogs thrive in routine and enjoy having a home base. Think about it - don't you love going to your room at the end of a long day?