Client Login Atlantic K9 logo 978.468.1616

Looking for a Career in Dog Training? Learn More!

Puppy Crate Training & Housebreaking

A puppy is one of the most exciting gifts you can get during the holidays. Since there are many families who may have gotten one themselves, now is probably the perfect time to talk about training. Even if you don’t have a new puppy, I frequently get asked to provide some tips and advice for a training refresher. While each puppy is unique in the behaviors and traits and I prefer to develop a custom routine for each one of my puppies, this is a baseline generalization, I hope this guide provides you with some helpful tips.

Bringing a new dog into the home is always a serious adjustment – but not just for you. The little one is entering a completely new environment, full of strangers, by themselves… wouldn’t you be a little nervous, too?

When it comes to training your new dog, the dynamic duo of crate training and housebreaking are going to set the foundation for your lives together. Achieving both of these early on will ensure your dog is feeling comfortable as soon as possible, It will also establish a schedule for you both to get used to.

Crate Training

Dogs have a natural den instinct, so providing a place that’s just for them will help make them feel at home early on. A crate will make them feel protected and provide a space of their own to curl up in. The best way to introduce the crate is by including some treats the first few times they go in. Once they’re inside, that natural den instinct is likely to take over. But stick around for a few minutes to make sure they’re comfortable.

The key to successful crate training is size. You definitely want them to be able to comfortably stand, sit and lie down – but, you don’t want one that’s too big. It’s important, especially for younger puppies, not have too much room that they’re not encouraged to use it as an indoor bathroom! Many crates have dividers that allow you to increase the crate size as your puppy grows.

Housebreaking

This brings us to our other top priority in puppy training: housebreaking. This is by far one of the hardest milestones for new dog parents, but it comes with the territory. Consistency and routine are key here.

Establishing a daily schedule is the first step in successfully housebreaking your dog. I always recommend journaling the bathroom schedule throughout the day to establish a baseline. It will also help you get to know your dog’s normal routine.

To make things easier for yourself, be sure to always let your puppy out through the same door to the same area that you want her to use to go to the bathroom. Doing this ensures they will know where to lead you when they need to go in the future. Repetition, repetition, repetition…

Accidents are going to happen – there’s no use ignoring it. But there are definitely ways to cut down on the number of accidents. The first piece of advice is to take them outside frequently for potty breaks. Puppies need to go often and frequent visits outside allow you to catch them before they go inside the house. A good rule of thumb is to take your puppy, if its 8-12weeks out, every hour to an hour and a half.  Overnight should be the longest the puppy stays in the crate. 

Speaking of overnight, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of water your puppy can drink after dinner. I pick up the water after 7pm to ensure we have a good night sleep. If your dog seems really thirsty after you’ve picked up the water, you can offer her a piece of ice.

When your dog is not in its crate, don’t give them too much free range of the house. Keeping your puppy near you will help you keep an eye out for common signs your dog needs to go: circling, sniffing the floor, whining, or heading to the door. I’d love to hear if you have any tips and tricks of your own that have worked for you in the past!  


Related Posts

View All

Seven Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy and Safe on the 4th of July

As much as we love the colorful lights and loud booms of fireworks, they pose serious risks to our furry friends. Unlike humans, dogs have ...

Summertime – Who Let the Dogs Out?

Summertime is a time of fun and adventure for people and their furry companions. However, as the temperature rises, it's important to take extra precautions ...

Five Ways to Keep Your Dog Active in Cold Weather

We all know that dogs need regular physical activity to stay fit and healthy.However, staying active with your pet can be tricky when the weather ...

7 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe this Holiday Season

It’s the most Wonder-FUR Time of the Year!

The holidays are an exciting and happy time of year but it’s also the season for ...

Taking Care of Your Dog One (Essential Oil) Drop at a Time

Back in April, we spoke with Dr. Katherine Evans, a holistic veterinarian who taught us about the different ways holistic medicine can be incorporated into ...

Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Separation Anxiety?

What do you MEAN you’re going out? You’re NOT leaving without ME!!

While maintaining social distance and staying in our homes may not be our first ...