Introduction

How do I crate train my dog? A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy and is generally considered to be the most effective and efficient method. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and the majority of dogs are fairly hygienic and will instinctively hold it in until they are let out of their crate (provided you don't leave them in there too long of course). Most dogs learn quickly that if they make it in their crate they will have to sit in it!

When is the Best Age to Start House Training?

A dog can be toilet trained at any age but the ideal age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a crate training routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business.

How do I Choose a Crate?

It's obviously more cost-effective for you to choose a crate that's big enough for your dog to grow into if possible. It should be big enough for the adult dog to stand up comfortably without crouching, turn around in, and stretch out - but no bigger (so that he doesn't choose one part as his bed and one part as his toilet!).

Because the adult dog is likely to be considerably larger than the puppy, it'll most likely be necessary for you to use a barrier to reduce the internal size of the crate whilst he is a puppy. A wire grille or board will do just fine. Alternatively, for larger breeds, or when the puppy outgrows the crate, a securely fenced-off area of a room can work well.

Make the Crate a Happy Place

Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as a punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and, very importantly, never use it for punishment. Place a favourite chew and some toys in there with him, add blankets and towels and he will have a cosy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. The door should be invitingly open at all times (unless he's in there of course, when it should be firmly shut). Utilising a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only during house training.

How do I Crate Train my Dog?

Crate training basically works like this: your puppy is in the crate at all times unless he's sleeping, eating, outside with you (going to the toilet or being walked), or being played with (active supervision.) You can't let your puppy wander off through the house unless you're focusing your complete attention on him. If you do allow him access to the house before he's thoroughly house-trained, you're basically encouraging him to relieve himself inside. It's best to limit the areas he has access to and gradually expand them as he gets older, but always with your constant supervision until he is house-trained.

You'll need to be consistent, or else it won't work. Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier.Try and take your dog out at the same time everyday so he will be able to adjust his bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take your puppy from the crate and don't let his feet touch the ground. Take him to the place where you want him to go to the toilet and give him lots of praise when he does it.

Example Schedule of a Morning's Crate Training:

7am: Wake up. Puppy comes outside with you for a toilet break.

7.25: Breakfast time.

7.45: Back outside with you for another toilet break.

7.50-8.45: Play time! Puppy's out of the crate being actively played with etc.

8.45: Outside for another toilet break.

8.50-11.00: Puppy goes back in the crate for a nap.

11.00: Puppy comes outside with you for a toilet break.

11.05-12.30: Playtime! Puppy is out of the crate being played with and petted.

12.30: Lunchtime

... and so on throughout the day.

You can view our full range of Dog Training eBooks here ...