Crate Training and Housebreaking: They Go Together

Crate training satisfies a natural instinct for your dog - one inherited from the wolf - to sleep and rest in a den. It's important because it will curb all sorts of destructive behavior, from digging to chewing to house soiling. Traveling is easier with a crate, and your puppy will be less afraid when it is crated at the groomer or veterinarian if it also has one at home. At full growth your dog should be able to lie comfortably on its side, stand, sit or turn without difficulty in its crate. Place the crate in a room where the dog will feel like part of the family. Make sure you place comfortable betdding inside to make it appealing for your puppy. Call us at Revival for help in selecting the right size and type of crate for your breed of puppy.

Patience of Praise

The more patient and consistent you are in teaching your puppy housetraining rules, the more quickly he will learn. Dogs are instinctively clean animals and will learn due to praise and good timing on your part.

• Establish a routine. Feed your pup at regularly scheduled times, preferably 3 times daily. Most puppies will want to releave themselves right after eating. Do not allow access to food all day long.
• Go outside with your pup so you can priase it for going potty.
• Choose 1 or 2 "toilet areas" your puppy can associate with going potty. Direct your puppy to these areas. When puppy "goes," praise it's success.
• Keep an eye on your pup while it's inside the house. If you catch it in the act, shout or toss something near it to startle him. Then immediately take it out and if he finishes outside, make sure it knows it is a good puppy.
• When you are unable to watch your puppy, it should be confined, preferably in its crate. This helps build bladder and bowel control - although you still need to let it out every couple hours.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

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