This post is an article that is featured on my dog training website Brill Dogs. A fantastic free resource full of basic dog training techniques, free newsletters and ebooks, tips and advice for the new dog owner.
When
it comes to house-training your dog, there are many options to choose
from. If you are looking to have your puppy house-trained within
weeks then I would recommend crate training as one of the most
effective options and the easiest to implement.
- Confining your puppy to a crate will help prevent accidents. Your puppy will be more inclined to control his bladder overnight as dogs have a natural aversion to soiling their beds.
- It is easy to implement. Crate training doesn’t require any specialist or expensive equipment, such as puppy training pads. You simply need a crate!
- Crate training will also teach your puppy discipline. If you use a certain word, command or phrase each time you put your puppy in the crate, he will eventually learn to go into the crate on command and associate this with the chosen word.
- Crating limits your puppy’s access to the house. This is the best way of keeping your mischievous pup out of trouble overnight or when you are away for long periods of time.
- Your dog can learn to love his crate. Make sure you never use the crate as a place of punishment and your dog is likely to view it as a safe place where he can go for solitude and rest.
- Crate training can be very quick. If you are consistent in implementing the crate-training method, you can housetrain your puppy in a matter of days or weeks.
- It is easy to get your puppy to like the crate. Get your puppy to like his crate by feeding him a few meals in the crate (with the door open) or play games involving hiding treats and toys in the crate for him to find.
- Crating may help prevent separation anxiety. If your dog feels that he is being given a safe place to retreat to when you are away then this may help to reduce or prevent separation anxiety. Keep your arrivals and departures as low-key as possible to prevent your dog becoming anxious.
- Crate training can be used for dogs of all ages. Crate training is an effective housetraining method for both puppies and adult dogs. Dogs of any age can be trained with the right amount of consistency and repetition. Don't believe what people say about old dogs and new tricks!
- You can rent a crate to save money. As your puppy grows, you will need a larger crate, so renting is a cost-effective option.
Once
again, consistency is the key here! Not only do you need to
consistently confine your puppy to the crate overnight and during
long absences, but you also need to be consistent about rewarding him
for doing his business outdoors. This will teach him to repeat his
behavior to earn your approval. Have fun!
For more great free dog training tips and advice please visit my website Brill Dogs
