How Long Does Crate Training Work?
Crate training is an effective way of housebreaking a puppy and keeping him safe when you are away from your home for short periods. By nature dogs will not use the bathroom in the same area that they are sleeping in. If you introduce the crate properly, your puppy will take to it well and feel secure inside.
- Purchase a crate that is just big
enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. You do not want
to buy a huge crate for a tiny puppy because then he will potty on
the other side of the crate where he is not sleeping. Keep in mind
that the crate can work as long as you need it to. Some owners use
it into adulthood because the dog likes his own “den." - Introduce your puppy to the crate
by leaving the door of the crate open in a room where the family
gathers. Put some treats in the crate and allow the puppy to go
inside and get them but do not close the door. Do this several times
and then close the door for just a few seconds and open it, continue
this until you can close the door for longer and longer periods.
Most puppies will take to the crate when introduced in this manner. - Never use the crate as a
punishment, it is supposed to be a positive experience. Also, a
puppy's bladder is very weak and he will need to potty several times
each day, so you cannot expect him to “hold” it for eight hours
because at some point, he will have to urinate in the crate. - Start with short times in the
crate, such as an hour and increase it slowly, but never leave your
puppy in the crate for longer than three hours at a time.