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How Crate Training Uses Your Puppy's Den Instinct

One of the most important tools that you can use to help housebreak your puppy is his or her crate or den space. This is an extremely safe, humane, and natural element of "potty training" and helps you to use your dog's own instincts in order to discover the right place to eliminate. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists alike encourage owners to use dens or crates to lead a puppy to do his or her business in the desired location; whether that be outside, on paper, or in a pan. Aside from that, crate training a puppy will also help you to control the amount of destruction done by the puppy - especially when you're not home or are doing something that hinders you from being able to watch him or her.

Puppies are born with the natural instinct to den, and not to soil their den area. As soon as your puppy is old enough to have some bladder control, he or she will be naturally inclined to head out of the den area in order to eliminate. This being said, by crate training your pup, the crate or kennel will become the dog's den, and he or she will refrain from eliminating inside. This makes it much easier to potty train your dog in the long run.

The first step is to choose a crate that is the right size for your dog. You have a choice for your puppy's den. You can either buy a crate that is the right size for him or her as a puppy, and then buy larger crates as he or she grows to full size, or you can buy a crate that is big enough to be a den for the adult dog and use a barrier to block off the part of the crate that is too big, moving the barrier back and enlarging the amount of space as needed. A crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up to his or her full height, turn around, and lie down. If there is any more room than that, your dog will naturally designate one corner as the den, and the rest for elimination, hindering your housebreaking efforts.

Make the crate a safe, quiet place that is only for your dog. Don't reach into the crate and poke at him or her. Allow your dog to enter and exit the crate under his or her own volition. Don't place him or her inside the crate, or pull him or her out. Never use the crate as a punishment for your dog. If you have children, make sure that they know the rules of the crate as well. Don't let your children enter the crate at any time. This space belongs to your dog and only your dog. This allows the dog to feel secure in his or her space and he or she will therefore be less likely to soil it.

When your dog will be closed in his or her crate - especially at night or if you'll be going out for over an hour - make sure that he or she has eliminated beforehand, and then take him or her outside immediately to eliminate upon your return and his or her release from the crate. This will help to prevent accidents inside.

Though the occasional accident may occur inside the crate, do not scold your dog for this. Instead, simply clean the area, ensuring to remove all of the odors, and continue as usual. This should allow you to keep to an elimination schedule and minimize the number of accidents occur during the night or when you are not able to supervise your puppy.

ARTICLES:
Crate Training a Puppy

Crate Training a Dog

How Crate Training Uses Your Puppy's Den Instinct

Potty Training for Puppies Under 16 Weeks Old

Your Puppy's First Night Home

Puppy Growling & How To Handle It

How to Stop Puppy Biting

Does Your Puppy Whine in Its Crate?

Crate Training for Very Young Puppies

How to Pick the Right Crate for Your Dog

Crate Training for Puppy Mill Puppies

The Importance of Eye Contact in Dog Training

How to Potty Train your Dog

How to Stop a Dog from Pulling When Walking on a Leash