Paula Haddock - HERLIFE Magazine

Using a Crate for HousetrainingOnce your puppy is comfortable with the crate, experiment withCrate training requires time andeffort but provides benefits thatmake it worthwhile. Depending onthe age and temperament of thedog, it may take days or weeksto complete the crate trainingprocess. A puppy should be at least9 weeks old before you attempt usea crate for housetraining.should never use a crate to lock up a puppy for an extended period.You will be sabotaging your housetraining efforts if your puppy isforced to soil its crate because it has been confined too long.When to Crate an Adult DogOnce a puppy is housetrained and is beginning to grow larger,you may want to purchase a larger crate. Base this decision on howhappy your dog seems in the crate. Some dogs never learn to enjoybeing confined, while others use their crate as a relaxing retreat. Acrate also comes in handy when you have guests or are sitting downto a meal and don’t want your dog underfoot. Dogs are social animalsand want to be involved in your activities. Instead of being isolatedoutdoors or in another part of the house, a crate allows your dog tobe present and to see what’s going on without causing a disruption.The Humane Society of the United States warns dog ownersthat crating is not a magical solution for all behavioral problems andshould never be used as a replacement for exercise and owner attention.One thing that dog trainers universally agree upon is that a crateshould never be used for punishment. Your dog will be more willing tobe confined when the crate is associated with comfort and security. ■using it overnight and for short periods during the day. Always takeyour dog outside to eliminate as soon you release it from the crate. Ifthe visit outdoors is successful, provide positive reinforcement by offeringpraise and a treat. Don’t punish your dog for having an accidentin the crate. Instead, just clean out the crate with a pet odor neutralizerand continue with the training routine. According to dog experts, you50 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM