Housetraining Tools
Crates are an essential housetraining item that most puppy owners find incredibly practical if used correctly.
A crate is not a prison or a cage. Rather, it is a comfy den, and no dog wants to poop in his comfy den.
That’s what makes the crate such a good investment:
You are using the dog’s own natural instincts to help him understand where you want him to do his important business.
Crates work well because a dog or puppy does not want to soil his bed or immediate area, so providing that you don’t leave your dog crated for unreasonable periods, you can use a crate to educate your puppy to wait until you take him outside.
To be effective, the bottom of the crate should be covered in bedding, otherwise the puppy will assume that anywhere other than the bed is OK to use as a potty, and that habit can be a hard one to break.
Size of the Crate
The size of the crate is critical to its effectiveness. You’d think that your pup would want a nice, big crate, but in actuality, the den should be small and cozy.
In the beginning stages of housetraining, the crate needs to be only large enough for your dog to lie down and turn around comfortably. Too large, and your pup may use a corner to relieve himself. Plastic-style crates are usually a better choice because they have more of a den-like feel for your dog.
The best option that as worked for my personal use with my puppies are of two varieties: the metal folding crate and the plastic airline type that bolts together in two halves with a metal door.
Some dogs don’t like the close-in plastic type because they can be dark and not as inviting as the more open, wire type. The advantages of the folding crates are that they work well for transporting your dog in a vehicle or for taking your dog on vacation, plus they fold flat for storage.
When Choosing The Right Crate:
- Choose one just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around.
- If you have a large-breed pup, buy a crate with a divider to make the crate bigger as he grows, otherwise you'll have to buy several crates as time goes on.
- If your décor is a concern, there are many attractive crates available, including rattan, wooden and doghouse-style crates.
- Soft-sided crates aren't ideal for housetraining because they are more difficult to clean and the smells of potty accidents can linger, causing your pup to want to eliminate there again.
- Some folding crates come with handles or nylon bags, making travel a breeze.
- If you're going to move the crate around a lot, get one with wheels. Wheeled crates are also great for travel.
