So, you just got a new puppy.
The fun is the easy part, but how about the crate training? Here is a 7-Step Plan as to how you can crate train your puppy.
First, the "what.
" What is crate training? Crate training is an attempt to housetrain your puppy by temporarily confining him in a crate.
Because dogs do not like to urinate or defecate in the place where they are resting, they begin to develop bladder and bowel control.
Then, they are let outside to eliminate, and the cycle continues from there.
Having detailed the "what," let's now move on to the "how.
" Here is the 7-Step Process you need to follow.
Step 1: Introduce Your Puppy to the Crate The only way to crate train your puppy is to first familiarize your puppy with the crate.
This can be done by putting a soft blanket inside.
Then, open the door and begin encouraging your puppy to enter.
You can use treats to lure him inside.
After he has been inside a few times, you can give him a dog bone or toy to play with while closing the door on the cage for a short time.
Step 2: Start with Short Periods Having been introduced to the crate, it's now time to begin increasing your dog's time in the crate.
Begin with small periods of 15 minutes and gradually increase to 30 minutes and beyond.
Step 3: Praise and Reward Puppy When the puppy has been good and has not eliminated in the crate, praise him and reward him with a treat.
This positive reinforcement will over time teach him what is and what is not acceptable.
He will then begin to act in that positive manner more often in attempt to receive your praise and, of course, the rewarding treats! When your puppy has an accident in the crate or in the house, do not punish him.
Simply clean it up and put him in the crate.
You now want to take note of that to help you better predict when your dog needs to eliminate.
Step 4: Let Puppy Outside Once Per Hour After your pouch has gotten more comfortable with the crate, extend his crate time to one hour segments.
After one hour of being in the crate without eliminating, take your puppy outside for four to five minutes.
If he eliminates outside in that time period, reward him with a treat and your praise.
You can also reward him by allowing him to play in the house for a little while if you are sure that he has no need to eliminate anymore at that time.
If your puppy does not eliminate outside in that five minute span, put him back in the crate until the next time you feel he is in need to eliminate.
Step 5: Gradually Increase Time As your puppy begins to gain comfortability with the crate, you can extend his time in the cage.
But, you will still want to let him outside once per hour when possible.
Step 6: Try Overnight If Necessary While not recommended, if you are in need for your puppy to sleep in the crate on an occasional night, you will want to do a few things.
First, place the crate in your room.
Then, assuming he is already accustomed to the crate, encourage your puppy to go inside.
After a few nights of him sleeping in the crate in your room, you can begin placing the crate in other rooms where you might otherwise prefer.
Step 7: Praise and Reward Puppy! Yes, here it is again.
Praise and reward your puppy.
Your puppy genuinely wants to please you as he desires your praise, attention and treats.
Your consistent positive reinforcement of good behavior when housetraining will encourage even more positive behavior.
Now you're ready to tackle the crate training process.
Use these 7 Steps and soon your friends will be asking how you were able to train your puppy to be so well behaved.