Used correctly, puppy crate training is a great way to house train a puppy or dog.
BUT it's often misunderstood and used incorrectly.
Follow these 7 sure-fire tips for success.
#1.
When initially introducing your puppy to the crate, proceed slowly and gradually until she becomes accustomed to the crate.
It should be a safe secure place for your puppy.
It should never be associated with punishment.
#2.
Set up a dedicated toilet area.
A small gravel area in your backyard works fine.
Or if you live in an apartment, you may need to consider a dog potty tray, pads or pile of newspapers in the house.
Always take your puppy there on a leash.
#3.
Confinement periods should be short.
It's purpose is to develop proper bladder and bowel control.
Young puppies will not have this control.
#4.
You need a routine that suits the puppy.
During the day, the puppy will need to eliminate approximately every two hours for a two month old puppy, every three hours when it's three months old and every four hours when it's four months old.
#5.
Put her in the crate around half an hour before she is due to eliminate.
#6.
When you let the puppy out of the crate, put her on a leash and take her immediately to the toilet area.
If there's no action, put her back in the crate for another 10 to 15 minutes, then take her back to the toilet area.
#7.
Your puppy should only be confined to the crate when you are at home.
It must never be used to lock up your puppy so that you can forget about her.