There’s nothing worse than anticipating getting home to your new puppy and then walking in and finding an unpleasant puddle or package left for you on the living room floor. But, before you decide that your furry new friend will have to be banished to the backyard, step back and take a deep breath. DON’T give in to the urge to “punish” your puppy. We have the solution to house training your new pet and making him a happy member of the family, using a dog crate.
An important thing to know is that puppies under 4 months of age have little bladder or sphincter control. They need to be watched when running free through your home and taken out often. If you see them sniffing around the floor and circling, this is a good indication that they are looking for a place to “go”
Crate training is one of the best ways to house train your puppy. Dogs generally do not like to sit or lie down near where they have gone to the bathroom. The dog crate you train your puppy in should be just large enough for the puppy to sit and lie down in, but not large enough to allow them to find a corner where they can avoid their mess. We have wire dog crates which have a free divider panel so your crate can grow with your puppy. Important Notes - Very young puppies, under 9 weeks, should not be crated. They need frequent chances to eliminate, as much as 8-12 times each day. Also, you should always remove standard collars from your dog or puppy if leaving them unsupervised in any dog crate, for their safety.
First you need to introduce your puppy to his new dog crate. Keep the crate in a room where you spend a lot of time, like the family room. Initially, keep the crate door open and secured so it doesn’t hit him and scare him off. Put small bits of food in the crate, or a play toy for him to fetch. Praise him if he goes into the crate. If he seems resistant to entering the dog crate, try putting his feeding bowl just outside the crate, then in steps, just inside the door and further and further back into the crate until he is comfortable entering the crate. Your puppies experience with the dog crate should always be pleasant and comfortable. Never try to push or shove your puppy into the dog crate. Pet and praise him when he enters by himself.
Once your puppy is comfortable in the crate, begin to leave him in there with the door closed for short periods of time while you are home with him. Slowly extend the amount of time he is in the dog crate with the door closed. As soon as you let him out of the crate, take him outside. At first you will have to take the puppy outside often, to give him a chance to go. Remember to lavish praise on him when he goes. It may take a couple weeks of consistent observation and attention, but it will be well worth it when you have successfully house trained the new member of your family. We have a large varieties of dog crates to choose from in training your pet.
Accidents in the Crate = If you do discover a mess in the puppies crate. Do NOT punish the puppy. Gently remove him and wash out the dog crate using a pet odor neutralizer. Don’t use ammonia-based products, because it resembles the odor of urine and may draw the dog to that spot to urinate.
With patience and persistent training, you can anticipate that greeting at the door after a long day at work. You’ll be met with a happy, wagging bundle of fur and not with a mess.
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