House-Training your Puppy with the help of a Dog Crate

- Untrained puppies confined to their Dog Crates for a long time, are accidents waiting to happen. If the pup cannot control himself and is forced to potty in his dog crate, he could develop the habit of relieving himself in the dog crate from then on. If this happens- then you will have to be a little more diligent in your potty-training (which means shorter intervals in the Crate and taken outside more often).

         The first and most vital thing you will need is the Correct Dog Crate for your puppy.

-The most common types of dog crates are, the pressed fiberglass dog crates favored by airlines (such as a durable Vari- Kennel). Fiberglass dog crates or dog kennels are the sturdiest and the safest for traveling in a car or airplane (such as the Sky Kennels). Open-wire dog crates provide maximum ventilation and security (these dog crates are not the best choice when crate training). A soft-sided folding crate is great for camping or quick set up where ever needed (these dog crates are not meant to be used during crate training- your puppy could seriously injure himself while trying to get out).

-House-training a dog is challenging, but if you can be consistent and use the Dog Crate effectively, most puppies learn incredibly fast. First, you will want to teach your dog to go to the bathroom in one place only outdoors. In the end this will save you and your lawn from unneeded stress. During the training period, it's up to you to set limits. For example, if you don't allow your pup free access to the living room and bedrooms, he can't make a mess on the carpets there. I like to use baby gates, which I set up across hallways and entrances to rooms I don't want my puppy to enter. They are inexpensive to use, and have saved me countless time & $$, that I would've spent on Vet bills if my puppy had gotten into something dangerous or poisonous. Also, you should always place puppy in his dog crate or kennel when you can’t keep an eye on him (the dog crate is the safest place for puppy, when unattended).

-Because most puppies can't control their need to go to the bathroom for long periods, the most important part of any potty-training program is setting up and sticking with a schedule that your puppy can be successful with. If puppy is in his Crate, and you want to let him out- always immediately take him outside before letting him play or eat. Be consistent with times of the day that you feed him and watch his natural potty schedule: Puppies usually need to use the bathroom shortly after waking up, after eating, and after playing. Young puppies may need to urinate every four hours. And if you have a toy breed, such as a "Chihuahua", they may need to be taken out every 1-2 hrs for the first month. 

-When your pup uses the bathroom in a designated area- Make sure you praise and reward him immediately and play with him. You don't want to wait to reward your puppy for urinating outside after you have brought him back indoors: This is a mistake, because you are rewarding puppy for coming inside, not for going outside. If you keep a few treats in your pocket, then you can give your puppy one as soon as he is done doing his business while praising him enthusiastically.

-Punishment after the fact doesn't work. If an "accident" happens, clean it up with a good enzymatic cleaner (to remove any lingering scent- dogs can smell urine even if you can't). Just know that accidents and a new puppy go hand in hand. By not punishing your puppy for having an accident, and instead praising him when he successfully goes outside, you will be re-enforcing good behavior (eliminating any unneeded stress for you and fear for your new puppy). If you catch your dog in the act of eliminating indoors, make a loud noise to distract him, and then take him outside right away.

Here is an in-expensive and effective trick I have learned over the years. Take an old soda can and place a few pennies in it, then tape the hole shut on top of the can. When puppy is engaging in behavior you wish to stop (such as chewing/ biting or getting ready to urinate in the house). Shake the can once while saying the word no. Believe me when I tell you- puppy will stop whatever he is doing and look at you. Then you can redirect him into a more positive direction, such as giving him a toy to chew on, or taking him outside to go to the bathroom.

 -If your pup repeatedly messes inside his crate, take him to your vet to rule out medical problems, such as intestinal parasites and urinary-tract diseases. 

I hope these tips have been helpful. Be consistent and praise your puppy as often as possible, and you will be amazed at how quickly he will learn.

A great source for Dog Kennels, Dog Crates and Pet Carriers is our own Site at www.KennelsnCrates.com!