Dog Housebreaking Using Crates
Dog housebreaking can be a much simpler matter when using crates for the dog
housebreaking process. What makes dog housebreaking using crates so effective is
that most dogs instinctively avoid defecating in their living and sleeping
quarters if they know they have alternatives.
When you begin dog housebreaking using crates you keep your dog in the crate
except during supervised feeding and play times. Whenever the dog is brought out
of the crate the dog is put in the area where it is expected to potty and told
to “go potty.” When the dog does go potty the dog is immediately given excited
praise. Dog housebreaking using crates requires that the dog be in the crate
whenever it is not being supervised.
The crate should be big enough for the dog to stand in and to turn in circles.
But, if the crate is any bigger than this, the dog may designate an area of the
crate for going potty and another area for residing.
You have to do your part to make sure the dog isn't forced into defecating the
crate in order to perform dog housebreaking using crates. In other words, you
need to make sure you always get the dog out of the crate for a potty break on
schedule during training. Remember, like humans, the younger your dog the less
conscious control the dog will have over its muscles. So it shouldn't be
punished if it can't hold it in during training. Also, for an already
housebroken dog, making a mess in the crate is a symptom that your dog may be
suffering either severe emotional turmoil or some sort of physical illness.
Simply make sure in the future that you give the dog plenty of opportunity to
use the potty area.
Don't use your dog's crate as a prison cell if you want to be successful in dog
housebreaking using crates. Make the crate very comfortable for your dog to lay
in it. Give the dog plenty of time outside the crate. Do not lock your dog in
the crate when you leave home. Never leave your dog in the crate so log that it
cannot possibly avoid having an accident in the crate. Also, a good rule of
thumb is that if you have to go potty so many times per day, a young puppy needs
at least that many opportunities per day. |
