House Training

To prevent the most common behavioral problems, and to give your puppy a sense of security, we recommend crate training.   A puppy will come to think of a crate as a lair, or den, which will be his room.  Not only is that a place where he can be contained to prevent wrong-doing, but it is also a refuge where he can voluntarily go when he wants some quite time.

The crate you choose should be large enough for him to stand up and turn around in when he is full-grown, but not so large that it doesn’t feel cozy.  For housebreaking purposes, you want your puppy to be comfortable in the crate when you are gone, and also at night.  It is imperative that he be given plenty of exercise and play time when not in the crate.    Be sure that food and water available at all times for a growing puppy.  

The premise of house training is to avoid the bad and reinforce the good.    First thing in the morning, and when you get home in the evening, take him out to the designated “bathroom” spot in the yard.  Start using a command such as “Go Potty” to encourage elimination.  When he has finished, be sure to praise him profusely.  If he would rather play than focus on elimination, place him back in the crate for 15 minutes and try again later.   Your puppy needs to be taken out to the same spot shortly after eating, after naps, and whenever he acts anxious.  Avoid blankets or towels in crate at first, as puppies may soil these until they are trained.   Soon, he will keep the crate clean, because dogs instinctively keep their “den” clean and dry:  it’s more pleasant for them that way.

Once he has reliably kept the crate clean and dry for a week or more, you can leave the crate door open allow him free access to a small room such as a laundry room or bathroom at night and when you are gone.    Do not place the crate in your bedroom.   It will not take long for him to learn that this area, too, is home and must not be soiled.  After he is reliable in the laundry room for a week, a larger area like a kitchen can be made accessible.  Usually by this time a puppy understands that the kitchen and laundry room, as well as the crate, are home.  Now the rest of the house is easy!

Keep the crate in a location where he will be comfortable staying.   You can leave the door open for access all the time.  Be sure he stays accustomed to the crate by keeping him inside either when you are away from home, or at night, or both.  Many dogs voluntarily sleep in their crates every night and are very happy to be in their safe, cozy “lairs.”

The benefits of crate training are numerous.  Aside from behavioral benefits, we have found that pets who need to be kept very quiet for medical reasons can be crated, if they are used to it.  This eliminates unnecessary anxiety or sedatives.  These pets are also less agitated when they have to be boarded.  Travel with a dog is easier if he is already crate trained.  Crate training may also help avoid separation anxiety, too.   If young children are around and he needs some quite time, his kennel is a great place to which to escape.   If you have any questions on crate training or any other puppy related issues, place feel free to call Cliff Lake Veterinary Clinic or Marschall Road Animal Hospital at any time!