How do I use crate training to housebreak my new puppy?

This is one of the most frequently asked behavioral and/or training questions in our office. The method that we use is called crate training. There are three C's to training your new puppy: Control, Consistency and Confinement. If you follow some basic instruction, almost every puppy can be trained in approximately one month.

First, the crate must be large enough so the puppy can stretch and lie down, but small enough so they cannot urinate or defecate in one corner and sleep in the other corner. So be sure the crate is not too big.

Next, the puppy should be in the crate any time he or she is unattended. This means when you go to sleep, when you leave the house or when you are busy and cannot be keeping a watchful eye on your new family member, the puppy should be in the crate. We are trying to teach the dog that if they have an accident in the crate, they will have to wait until someone comes to rescue them. Hopefully, this will teach them to "hold it" for a while. And yes, even young puppies can be left in the crate for 6-8 hours at a time. We do it at night time when we all go to bed, so you can do it during the day if you have to be away.

While you are at home, it is okay to leave the puppy out of the crate, but set a timer for every 60-90 minutes (no cheating; 90 minutes is the maximum). Each time the timer rings, take the pup out for a walk for 10 minutes, giving them the chance to eliminate, and reward them when they are successful. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. Do not be surprised if you walk them for 10 minutes, nothing happens, and when you come back in the house they have an accident on the kitchen floor. BE PATIENT. If you have kids, remember when the little ones had an accident as soon as you changed their diaper or gave them a bath. Puppies go through stages and almost all of them will catch on in a very short period of time.

So follow this pattern of Control, Confinement and Consistency
1. Keep them in the crate when you are not around.
2. Keep the crate small.
3. When out of the crate, take the pup outside every 60-90 minutes
4. Reward them when they do the right thing.
5. BE PATIENT
7. Positive reinforcement works a whole lot better than negative reinforcement (you can only discipline them if you catch them in the act.)

These are only guidelines. Take your time and do not become frustrated. In a month, or so, you will look back and laugh. If you follow these guidelines and accident still persist, contact me and I'll be happy to help you try and solve specific problems you are having with your new puppy.

Dr. Larry