Sunday, September 28, 2008

How to Crate Train Puppies

By Gary Pearson

A new puppy means puppy potty training, particularly if the puppy is going to be an indoor dog. Puppies are inclined to potty where they see fit, because they have not been trained otherwise. Crate training can be an effective way to potty train your puppy without unnecessary psychological damage. Crate training involves placing a puppy within a crate for periods of time. Puppies and dogs do not generally use the restroom where they sleep, and crate training helps establish areas of sleeping domain. By keeping a puppy in a crate until it is time to use the bathroom, puppies will learn that using the bathroom inside the house is not proper. It can be a long process, depending on the puppy's temperament.

Keep an eye out for times when the puppy may piddle inside, as this can be an indication as to a schedule the puppy is already on and one you can work within. Housebreaking is a confusing time for both puppy and owner, so try to keep a firm even tone when instructing the puppy to potty outside. Be establishing a schedule and adhering to it will greatly assist the puppy in learning. Remember that puppies have a small bladder and it is just as painful for them as it is for you when you have to go to the bathroom. So be mindful and respectful of their needs. This will help you build a trust and a rapport with your puppy that can make your housebreaking more successful.

The benefits of crate training make for a happier and healthier household. When a dog understands his boundaries, he can be more affection and loving towards the family he is part of. Remember, crate training is indeed a long process for both dog and owner. Puppies are still curious creatures and not also the most attentive because of it, so have patience with them. Rewarding them for proper behavior and piddling outside the house can reinforce the wanted behavior and assist your training to be successful.

Techniques like paddling or rubbing your puppy's nose in their piddle does not work, so please, do not use them. It only confuses and scares your puppy, which you do not want a puppy that is scared and confused where you are concerned. It can also created unnecessary anxiety for your puppy, reinforcing the negative behavior you are trying to negate. They are as vulnerable and innocent as children, combined with the added confusion of the language barrier between dog and owner; puppies can easily find themselves perplexed. Just take crate training one day at a time, offer love and affection to your puppy and both of you will be successful in all that you do.


Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about crate training puppies visit Pet Health Education for current articles and discussions.

No comments: