The Easiest Way to House Train Your Dog & Avoid Destructive Behavior

What is a crate? Where do I buy one and which one should I get?

A crate is essentially a small kennel, usually made of heavy wire. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around comfortably, lie down in any position and if you desire to feed your dog in the crate it should also have room for a food bowl. It should be no larger. It should NOT be large enough that the dog can eliminate in one end and sleep in the other. (Note: There are some special cases in which a behavioral consultant may advise differently, such as for dogs rescued from breeding situations. Unless you have been advised otherwise by such a consultant follow the above rules regarding crate size.)

Crates are available from most pet supply stores and online.

If you are crate training a puppy, you can purchase a crate with a divider so your dog can grow into his/her crate, instead of you having to purchase new ones as your dog grows. (Note: Puppies can typically hold their bladder for as many hours as they are months old - ie: a four month old puppy can typically hold their bladder for about four hours.)

Why Does Crate Training Work?

Your Dog's Point of View: Dogs are Den Animals. A den is a small, enclosed space in which your dog will feel safe - and dogs instincitvely avoid soiling their den!

Your Point of View: Consistency is critical to successful training, but you can't watch your pet all the time. If you try, frustration is inevitable. a crate will limit access to the house while you can't watch your pet or when you just need a break. This will greatly aid in building routine habits for you dog, which is vital for successful integration into your house.

How Do I Crate Train My Dog?

Build positive associations with the crate! Start by putting treats and toys in the crate. Say "Kennel Up!" in a cheery tone when crating your dog. There will be a period of whining and crying until your dog adjusts to the crate and grows confident that he/she will be let out eventually. Start with smaller increments of time, especially with puppies who typically cannot hold their bladders for more hours than they are months old - ie: a four month old puppy can typically hold their bladder for about four hours. Never let your dog out of the crate when it is whining, unless you believe it is in danger of soiling the crate - in which case see below.

This whining stage is only temporary (a few days to a few weeks) and will subside, but unless you have gone through it, it can be quite shocking. During this period it is common for pet guardians to feel that the training is not working and that it is all wrong for your pet. Believe us, you are not being cruel and crate training ultimately benefits every dog! Do not give up on crate training your dog. It is essential for building a happy home balance!

Your dog needs to adjust to the crate and grow confident in the routine. Again, Never let your dog out while it is whining! If you do, you create a contest of wills and your dog will try to exhaust you by whining and crying. The one exception to this rule is if the dog has not been out to eliminate recently. In this case, take your dog out to do so. If the dog eliminates then you can leave them out of the crate afterwards. If not, put him/her back into the crate so they don't think they can resist crate training by whining.

When Do I Use the Crate?

When you can't watch your dog or periodically throughout the day for short times.

While the dog is sleeping, at least until the dog is completely house trained. Puppies may need to go out several times a night until their bladder control is sufficiently developed to sleep through the night. Typically a puppy can hold their bladder for as many hours as they are months old - ie: a four month old puppy can typically hold their bladder for about four hours.

Once your dog can go through the entire night in the crate comfortably, you can leave him/her in the crate while you are at work. This will prevent development of bad habits while you are away. The dog should be taken out to eliminate right before you leave and after you return.

NEVER use the crate as punishment. Crate training works because your dog will build posiitve associations with the crate and think of the crate as a den, which is a safe and comfortable place.

Visit the CHHS Online Training & Behavioral Center to read more articles on training, understanding your companion animal and culitivating desirable behaviors.


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