I got a puppy, how do I housetrain it?
House
training a puppy can be very difficult and nerve racking but it can be quite
easy if it is done correctly right from the start. The easiest way to train a
pup is to crate train them. Now, I know that many people feel that the crate is
mean but the fact is dogs are den animals and actually appreciate having a place
of their own. The crate can be a place of safety and comfort for your dog if it
is introduced properly and not abused.
When
you buy a crate for your pup first make sure that it is the proper size, the
crate should be large enough for the pup to stand turn and lay down in
comfortably. Remember that your pup is going to grow so get one that is large
enough for an adult pup and maybe just put a divider in it to make it the
appropriate size for a pup. It is very important that the crate is not too large
or it will simply defeat the purpose, if the dog has enough room to go to the
bathroom in one corner and sleep in the other they will do so. When you bring
the crate home place it on the floor with the door open and let the puppy
explore the crate on it’s own. You can encourage the puppy to go in with food,
praise the puppy when they go into the crate or look at the crate, some puppies
will go in right away and others will take a little longer. You may want to feed
your puppy its meals in the crate. When your puppy seems comfortable with the
crate then start to close the door for short periods and then let them out and
praise for being well behaved, if the puppy is crying wait until they are quite
and then let them out. If they are let out every time they cry they will
continue to do it, if they are only let out when they are quite they will catch
on and be quite. You may want to put a blanket in the crate to make it a little
more comfortable and put a toy in for the puppy to play with.
The
idea of crate training is that when you are not available to be watching the
puppy, the pup should be in the crate. If you are at home the puppy should be
with you not locked up, except at night of course. If a pup is constantly locked
up they do not get the crucial socialization that they need and it can really
destroy a puppies personality, dogs by nature are pack animals and like to be
with their pack, which is you and your family. If you have your pup in the crate
at night you may have to get up during the night to let the puppy out, ensure
that this trip outside is strictly business and not made into an opportunity for
play time. When the puppy does
it’s business outside praise the pup lavishly for a job well done. Make sure
that you let the puppy out first thing in the morning. You can adapt any
schedule you like for puppy to go out side to do it’s business but it is
important that you know that puppies will need to go about 15 minutes after
drinking, after playing, after sleeping and a few times in between. A bathroom
break should also be the last thing that your puppy does before bed. At night it
may be advisable to restrict the puppies access to water a couple hours before
you go to bed. If you are working all day and your puppy cannot hold it then see
if someone can come and let the puppy out during the day. If this is not
possible try leaving the crate open with a small area blocked off to go to the
bathroom, this may slow down the house breaking process but a young puppy cannot
be expected to hold it all day either.
When
you are home and awake, the puppy should be with you. If you catch the puppy
about to go or going say “NO” firmly but do not yell (this serves to stop
the puppy from what they are doing) and take the puppy outside to finish the job
(this is redirecting the puppy to the appropriate place to go) then praise the
puppy for a job well done. You should never, ever punish the puppy for going in
the house after the fact, not even one minute later, dogs do not have the
ability to reason as we do and will not understand what they are being scolded
for, not to mention it is your fault for not watching closely enough.
Crate
training is a relatively easy way to train your pup. Here are a few rules for
you to remember when using the crate.
1)
The crate is not to be used for punishment – your dog should feel
secure in their crate, if used for punishment they will begin to resent it.
2)
Never force a dog into or out of a crate – again this is their secure
area.
3)
Always remove leashes and collars – loose leashes and collars are a
hazard, they puppy could choke themselves.
4)
If you choose to leave toys (advisable) insure they are safe toys that
are hard to break apart, puppies will often swallow the pieces the break off.
5)
Do not lock the puppy up constantly – the crate is a training aid not
where your dog should spend the majority of its time.
©
Canadian K-9 Information 2003
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