Any suggestions on crate potty training a puppy?
01 Feb 2010
I have a six month old puppy who at times uses her crate as the toilet. I thought I had it solved when I took the bedding out, but I didnt. She can hold it for hours when shes just roaming the house. But I can leave her locked up for two and come home to a big puddle and a smelly dog. I have tried a million things and just when I think I’ve got it figured out she does it again.
I need help!
People mistakenly think that putting the dog in a crate will potty train it automatically. A crate can be helpful, but it won’t train the dog. Start from the beginning, and be consistant. Take her outside every 2 hours, and praise/treat her when she eliminates outdoors. She will begin to associate reward and attention with positive behaviors.
3 Responses
2010 Feb 01
People mistakenly think that putting the dog in a crate will potty train it automatically. A crate can be helpful, but it won’t train the dog. Start from the beginning, and be consistant. Take her outside every 2 hours, and praise/treat her when she eliminates outdoors. She will begin to associate reward and attention with positive behaviors.
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2010 Feb 01
This was taken from one of my other answers but it should cover your question as well.
You will need to take the dog on a leash until it learns the new spot. Basically the drill is this….20 minutes or so after feeding him take him to the spot you would like him to establish as his spot and wait there till he goes. When he does finally go, say his name and then say empty, good empty…or whatever phrase you choose. Say his name first so he knows you are talking to him and not just talking. Pick a word like empty and use it every time. Within a short time he will pair the command to empty with the action and he will know to go to that spot. You can use a treat if you wish. It will speed things up a little but I typically choose not to. He isnt winning an olympic medal or anything.
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2010 Feb 01
I just got a puppy 3 days ago and let me tell you she does potty in her crate as well. She’s only 7 weeks though and only does it when she sleep at night because we lock her crate at night. Try not letting her eat right before she goes to sleep. Also make sure to play with her and take her to potty before you put her in the crate at night. Eventually she will get tired of sleeping around her poop/pee and learn not to use her crate as a toilet anymore. Good Luck
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