by Brenda Nelson

Created on: March 29, 2009

Be Understanding

Do not expect this to go fast or to be easy. Some breeds, such as the more intelligent ones like Border Collies, train much faster than others, like Shih Tzus. Your pup may not be physically ready to learn when you first get him, but you must start training him right away. You can expect to see results after the pup has reached 12 weeks, as this is more often the time they gain, and understand how to control, their body functions.

Because house training requires attention and time it is best to plan on getting a pup when you have the time to devote to training it. If you work an 8-hour day (and cannot come home at lunch), or have young children who need your attention, you will not find this easy to do.

Why Crate Train

Crate training has proven to be the easiest, and most successful method of house training a puppy. The pup will usually resent the crate at first but eventually he, or she, will come to know it as their safe place. The crate training method will save you a lot of grief because the pup will be contained and not out destroying your home. Having a dog that accepts a crate will make it a lot easier for you (and them) if you have to kennel them. Some areas have laws that pets cannot be loose in your vehicle, so a crate is excellent for smaller dogs when in a vehicle. Dogs who are not used to being kenneled will become scared, and stressed, if they have to be kenneled at a groomer or veterinarian office.

The whole idea behind crate training is that a puppy does not want to mess in its' bed. So by confining it to a small space you force it to hold its bladder and bowels until it can be out.

Selecting the Crate

The pup must be able to stand up and turn around in the crate, however you do not want a crate that is so large that the pup can still mess in the crate and sleep in another area. Line the crate with a blanket. Solid crates, with metal doors work significantly better than open crates (all wire) this is because they provide a "den-like" experience. Do not think of this as a cruel thing, in the wild pups would normally get left behind by mom, or the pack, to stay in the den.

Some breeds of dogs are small enough that you only need one crate for the life of the dog. Others grow so fast you may find they outgrow their crate in a short matter of time. You might find that you can buy a good crate at a second hand store, sometimes even animal shelters will offer used crates for sale.

There is no harm in trying to save some money by buying used,

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