Saturday, December 29, 2012

The Expert's Guide to Puppy Potty Training

By Geraldine Dimarco


Dog potty training is a dirty job but somebody's got to do it, pun intended. The good news is-- it's not as difficult as it sounds. Sure, you'll have a couple of months of accidents here and there but then again, you'll have them anyway so you might as well train them now.

What's the secret that experts use on puppy potty training then? It is this: canine crate training. This will help you not only potty train the animal, it will give you the priceless advantage of being able to set travel plans with your precious pet as well. Sounds good doesn't it?

For those of you who don't know what crate training is, this is when the dog is trained to go to his crate and stay there for longer periods of time. Because dogs do not like discharging on the same place they stay in, they will hold in their poop or pee until you can bring them out to potty. Therefore, crate training a puppy is an effective tool in potty training them.

Look for a crate that the dog won't be able to walk around in; but large enough so he can comfortably stretch, sit and stand in. Your goal is to make it as inviting as possible so find a crate that has padded floors and put in a cozy blanket and some fun doggie toys. Put the crate in a place where people usually stay. You can also put it in your bedroom so that the puppy can start getting up and sleeping the same time as you.

Ideally, the floor part is padded and put in a few toys and a blanket inside. Put in a trail of treats leading up to the crate. Allow the dog to enter the crate without you forcing him into it. When he is inside, keep feeding him food and pet him without closing the door. If he tries to leave, gently block his way with your body. Do this for several days.

When it seems that the animal is able to handle himself better, begin to close the door. Make sure he has toys inside to keep him busy. You should stay nearby where he could hear our voice. If he gets upset, allow him to calm down before you let him out. Otherwise, he will assume that if he cries long and loud enough, he will get what he wants.

Gradually, your pet will get adapt to the crate. Leave the room where he is for several minutes and then go back inside. Extend the periods of time you leave him alone until you think that he is perfectly alright being by himself in the crate. Remember though that with crate training a puppy, you cannot leave him for more than three hours. Puppies have not developed stronger bladders yet.

Dogs are den animals so even if it doesn't seem like it-crate training is actually good for them because it gives them security. More often than not even after puppy potty training is done, they still look for these crates as their safe haven from stress. There's no reason left for you not to start-go out and begin crate training your little friend today.




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