Crate training a puppy is a process that requires patience and consistency.
Young puppies have not yet gained full control of their organs so you can expect some "accidents.
" When these happen, don't yell and scream at your new pet.
You don't want a scared insecure dog.
Instead, give your dog plenty of praise when he does the right thing and he will learn quickly how to please you.
If you follow these simple crate training a puppy tips you will quickly teach your new puppy what you expect and your puppy will reward you for teaching him these boundaries by leaving you a few less surprises on your new carpet.
To start crate training a new puppy, you are of course going to need a crate.
I recommend the wire collapsible crates, as these are great for travel, giving your dog the feeling of being home even when he is at the neighbors while you are on vacation.
Your puppy's crate should be their own unique space where the puppy feels comfortable.
Purchase a dog crate that has enough room to hold your pet even when he reaches adulthood.
Your new pup will be spending much of his time in his new "bedroom.
" In fact, a new pup that has not yet learned where the bathroom is should be in the crate anytime he is not under your immediate supervision.
This means at night when you are sleep and during the day when you are at work.
Since your puppy is going to be spending much of its time in his bedroom it is important that it be comfortable and cozy.
An important step in crate training a puppy and keeping your dog comfortable inside a crate is to never use his crate as punishment.
A dog's crate should be his own special place where he can do his own thing.
It should have inside some comfortable dog bedding to keep your dog nice and cozy.
It should also have inside a doggy toy to keep him company and to give him something to use to amuse himself.
Place the crate in a room that is near an exit and line the bottom of the crate and the path all the way to the door with newspaper or puppy pads.
Puppy pads are useful in crate training a puppy because they prevent accidents from seeping into your carpet which allows for easier clean up.
What a relief! If you work during the week make an effort to start your puppy crate training on the weekend or on your day off.
Begin by introducing your pup to his new room.
Allow him to smell the crate, the bed, the puppy pads and anything else he wishes to investigate.
If he relieves himself on the paper don't make big fuss.
Simply clean it up and replace the paper.
After your pet has fully explored his new environment, give him a toy and shut the door.
After about 30 minutes, return to the crate and offer your dog some water by placing a small doggy dish inside the crate.
5-10 minutes after your puppy finishes drinking, open the door and walk to the exit while calling his name.
Coax your pup into following you out the door and to the designated bathroom area.
Stay near your dog until he does his "business" and when he does, give him plenty of praise for accomplishing his goal in a happy up-beat voice.
Then return your puppy to his crate.
When it's time to feed your pup, give him his first meal inside the crate.
Placing his food and water inside allows him to come out onto the paper as he wishes, but does not allow him to run around the house.
After he has finished eating, remove the dishes and close him inside.
After about 15 minutes repeat the process above.
Walk your dog outside to the designated area and praise him when he does the right thing.
If your dog doesn't make it all the way outside, don't resort to anger.
It is not his fault at this point; it is yours.
You may have waited too long or got him too excited.
Just clean up the mess and continue the training.
In addition to taking him out after meals it is important to take him out first thing in the morning and first thing when you get home from work.
Creating a consistent schedule is big part of crate training a puppy.
As your dog gets used to the schedule and as his organs develop to the point where he control his urges, there will be less and less accidents.
Eventually you will be able to remove the paper trail to the door.
Start by removing them gradually one paper at a time leaving the one directly in front of the door till the very last.
While your dog is in his crate watch for indication that your dog 'has to go'.
He might start whining, or turning circles, or sniffing around his crate, or he might even bark to let you know that he has to go.
If you sense that your dog has to go, take him outside.
Don't make him wait, as he maybe very uncomfortable.
And that is all that there is to crate training a puppy.
Follow these tips and you and your new pup are well on your way to creating a happy, healthy, poop free home.