Remember that repetition is essential. Your puppy will not understand what you want unless you continually show him/her the preferred behaviour numerous times. Keep in mind also that your puppy does not know what is predictable and must be shown the correct place to eliminate, and when.

Your best bathroom training ground is your crate. When you cannot look after your puppy, use a crate. Think of the pen the same way you think of a playpen for a child. Even if you are only departing the room for a "minute", either take the dog with you or use the pen. After all, you would not leave a kid in the house alone "for just a moment" would you?

Crate training can be fun for the puppy if you make it an encouraging occurrence. The den is all part of the wild dog's background and protection zone. The same thing applies to the "crate". Giving the dog special "treats" is a wonderful way to initiate him or her to his crate. The only time the puppy gets these exceptional treats is when he or she is in the crate; the treats become associated with the crate. Use the crate sensibly. Don't crate only when you are leaving the house. Put the puppy in the pen while you are home as well. Use it as a "secure" zone.

By crating when you are home and while you are gone, the puppy becomes content in the den and not apprehensive that you will not return. This helps to remove separation nervousness later in life. The majority of dogs will not soil their "den". The first few attempts you might have some accidents, but don't be discouraged.

If the den is too huge, the pup can without problems soil on one side and rest on the other. The way to stop this is to buy a crate that will contain your pet when it is fully developed. Whenever you take away the puppy from the crate or just want the puppy to "go to the bathroom", take the dog to the door that will always be used to "go outside".

During housebreaking don't let the pup outside to eliminate by itself. You go with the dog too. Provide the puppy ample amount of time. When the puppy urinates, praise the puppy with "good dog" and give it a small treat. When the puppy poops, again praise the puppy with "good dog" and give a treat.

If done consistently, this instruction process should take only about 2 weeks for the dog to comprehend. This technique will work with any dog, apart from those of greater age. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, follow the same practice.

Crate training has been working for years and will help your dog. It's a great technique to make your dog feel safe and to train it to go to the bathroom outdoors. Watch that pup, and please crate train! Take it slow and easy... be tolerant and have fun with your dog!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training