First off, crating or kenneling your dog isn’t cruel. Leaving it in a crate unattended for too long of a time without socialization, exercise, training, and affection is. I recommend crate training in conjunction with housebreaking because it is necessary, beneficial, and safe to keep a puppy confined when you can’t keep your eye on them.
If introduced slowly and properly, your dog will associate their crate/kennel/pen as their safe place and will go there on command and/or on their own. Even when a dog is housebroken, it may not be trustworthy. This goes for not only puppies, but for some dogs who mature late in life, get bored easily, or aren’t exactly thrilled about being left behind.
The crate isn’t to be used as punishment or as a place of solitary confinement. Use the crate responsibly and be sure to socialize, train, and give affection to your pup on a regular basis.
The crate/kennel may also be used temporarily to introduce a new dog to the family. As the dog adapts, or when you feel that your dog is housebroken and responsible, the crate may find it’s home in storage until needed again. Some people always choose to crate their dog. That choice is up to you and what works best.
For more detailed guidance on crate training, you will receive a free copy of my e-book “Crate Training Facts” when you purchase my new e-book “The Truth About Housebreaking.”
I have been asked lately if I can help train a dog to use a litter box. It can be done; however, I don’t believe it’s the best or easiest option. I work a lot with clients on housebreaking. If they request that the dog only learn to eliminate in the house, I recommend using a separate area where they use either a pee pad or artificial turf.
A small litter box is difficult for a dog to use (even a small dog) because most dogs don’t just squat and “go” like a cat. They need to sniff and circle first. While that’s not always the case, if you are having difficulty getting your dog to “use” a litter box, you may need to try something larger or one of the other options (before your dog chooses another option).
If, however, you want to litter box train a cat. . .get a litter box, fill box with litter, show it to the kitten — you’re done! If only dogs were that easy. =)
You can find everything you need to know about the book on the Sales Page by using the link above. Or, enter your name and email in the boxes to the right under the book cover, confirm in your email that you requested information, and you will be taken to the Order Page.
I came home after a hot day of dog training ready to enjoy my pups. I walked in the door and all of the dogs stood back further than normal (or further than waiting to hear me say “back”) so that I can enter freely. It took about two steps before the odor reached my nostrils. At that second, the first response is to breathe through the mouth so that the odor isn’t as bad. Not a good choice either.
The newest family member had obviously gotten a little nervous after I left and had expressed this with diarrhea all over the kitchen floor. The entire house is tile, so not to worry there. Now, it made sense why the other dogs appeared to be tip-toeing to the door — THEY WERE. They also had the look of “it was her!”
Given the size of everyone and the amount of poo, it could only have come from the Great Dane. “Everyone outside.” There was no fear in their eyes because pooing isn’t something they’ve been corrected for unless caught in the act. This one was my fault. I did, however, see a bit of disgust and I think they teased the Dane a bit for her obvious “accident.”
There aren’t enough paper towels on a single roll for Great Dane Diarrhea. I’m sorry to be so blunt. It didn’t take THAT long to clean up and then each dog had to come through to inspect the level of cleanliness. After all, they do eat off that floor!
So, I now have a new phrase for those days that don’t go as smoothly (I just said “go and smoothly!” – yuck) Anyway, some days are just GDD Days – Great Dane Diarrhea Days.
CONFINEMENT. Confine the dog in a small space – either a crate, play pen, or a very small area of a room. If your dog is not in this space, then the ONLY other option is that they are with you and in your sight (preferably on a leash). In most cases, dogs do not want to soil their living space. The size of the space will grow as they mature. It can also be helpful to feed them in this space.
CONSISTENCY. Consistency with water and feeding on a schedule and taking the dog outside on a regular basis. When you take the dog out, use a word that you will use every time they go outside. They are outside for a purpose. Stay with them until they “go” and reward with a treat and verbal praise. Come back inside and follow Step 1. If they didn’t “go,” it’s still back to Step 1 until you take them out again.
CARING. Caring that your dog will have every opportunity to succeed. That means that you will feel successful! Understand that you are not being cruel by providing either of the first two steps. It could mean the difference of housebreaking taking two weeks versus two months (or longer).
Look for additional housebreaking tips in future posts!
