What is puppy crate training all about?
A crate is a great training method especially for potty training. The concept is that a dog will not mess in it’s own bed. The crate area is just large enough for the dog to stretch out (buy a crate to fit the dog as an adult – wire crates have a panel to install and make the area smaller). Most pups will not mess in the crate if left no longer than a short period of time to start – no more than 2 hours. It is also a safe place for your dog (his den) where only he has access. My dogs love their “bed”, I only go in to clean them. The dog can’t get into trouble when it is safe in it’s crate. Ensure that you let your pup out to pee when it wakes from a nap. Do not feed or water in the crate, the pup will just make a mess. My dogs are only locked in their crates at night or when I am away from the house. Otherwise the doors are open for them to go in when they want.
Usually a pup won’t potty in its sleep area(area must be just enough to stand turn and lie down) They do tho. all of mine have at first. If you work and can’t be there or are not watching at all times you keep him/her in it. Then you take said pup out on a regularly scheduled time. It is to prevent the pup from eliminating anywhere you don’t approve. You let pup out when you are giving sole attn to it as to prevent accidents. My dogs both use their crates and will go to their crate at 9:30 pm on their own every night. Warning* do not ever use crate as a place for punishment or it will cause a bad association!
