Puppy Potty Training Secrets - Using a Dog Crate

Potty-training can sometimes be a challenge but you can make the process a lot easier by using practical tools such as a dog crate. Contrary to what some people may think, a dog crate is not meant to imprison dogs or to punish them for bad behavior. Instead, it should be a place where the dog feels relaxed and at home, and where he won’t be tempted to poop or pee.

If you use them correctly, dog crates can be very helpful in the process of potty-training. As long as the puppy is inside the crate, he will learn to hold and wait until you take him out to the proper potty area.

A great way to further discourage your pup from doing his business inside the dog crate is to line the bottom surface with comfortable bedding. It would also be advisable to buy a crate that is just big enough for the dog to move around but still small enough so that he won’t be able to find separate spaces for sleeping and for pottying.

It is also important to note that as your puppy grows, you will be needing a larger dog crate to accommodate him. If you have a rather large breed of dog, you might want to invest in a larger crate right from the beginning, but choose one with a divider so that you can limit his accessible space while he is still a small puppy.

There are many different styles and designs of dog crates you can choose from but among the most recommended are the plastic-style crates and the metal folding crates.

Plastic crates are generally cheaper but they can make some dogs feel rather claustrophobic because of the closed-in design. Metal crates on the other hand can be a little bit more expensive but can be very practical for bringing your dog along on long car trips. Plus, these metal crates are very compact when folded, making them easy to store when not in use.

Criteria for Selecting the Perfect Dog Crate:

• Size - It should be just big enough so that your dog can turn all the way around.

• Adjustable divider - Simply move the divider as your dog grows and you won’t have to buy a new crate every year.

• Style - Many dog crates are decorative as well as functional so you can easily choose one that fits your preferences in design.

• Ease of cleaning - Surfaces that are easier to clean are recommended instead of those crates that come with soft and furry linings, where the odor of potty accidents can easily linger

• Portability - If you are planning on taking your dog on trips, it is best to invest in a crate that is lightweight, compact and has wheels.

Tips For Crate Training Your Dog

Crate training your dog may be the way to go if you want to make sure that your home isn’t torn up when you leave and you don’t have messes all over the house whenever you’re not in. Often, when our dogs are puppies, they are mischievous. Your dog doesn’t know that he isn’t allowed to chew your couch or favorite boots because you aren’t there to tell him not to. That’s why many people choose to put their puppies in crates while they are away for the day.

Now, you may think that this is mean, but consider this, if you keep your dog in a crate you could be saving him from eating something he isn’t supposed to and you’ll give your dog a comfortable place to sleep and feel safe while you’re away. As an added benefit, if you keep his space small, you’ll likely find that you don’t have any extra little surprises to clean up when you get home, either.

There are a few things you can do which will help you to be able to keep your puppy feeling good and safe while you are away, though, that it might help to follow. For instance, when your are crate training your dog, in order to avoid feeling guilty, put a towel or small blanket at the bottom so your puppy has something to snuggle up to while you’re away. Make sure it’s washable, in case of accidents. Include a bone in your dog’s crate so that he has something to chew on. Often, puppies chew because they are teething, when you include a bone in his crate, you’ll be able to make sure that your puppy doesn’t eat his blanket. Note: keep the toys out of the crate as many of them have eyes and squeakers that could be harmful to your dog if swallowed.

Another tip when you’re crate training your dog is to not use the crate as a place for punishment. The crate should be a place where your puppy can go when he is tired or just wants to be in his comfortable space when you’re home and it should also be the place where your puppy feels safe when you’re away. Don’t lock your dog in the crate when you’re home, because he may begin to resent his crate and that’s where you’ll run into problems.

Once your dog gets used to his crate, you will find that crate training him is easy and, in many cases, your dog will likely head to the crate when you have to leave. Remember; don’t treat the crate as a bad thing and your dog will not see it as such. When you’re working to crate train your dog, know that you’re keeping him safe and your home nice so that you and your pooch can live happily together.